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STONT POI 



SIMTEE 



AN ACCOUNT OF THE 



EARLY SETTLEMENT? 01 THE PDSON 



-WITH- 



Traditions and Relics of the Revolution, 



AND SOME 



geneological records of the present inhabitants, 



Dedicated to the DesGendants of the RevohUionary Fathers. 



Edited and Published by Rev. W R. Kiefe 



lFER. 



NEW YORK : 

Z. R. Bennett, Printer, 76 Cortlandt Street. 
1888. 



(^MAnPQ 388 4- 



CfpLa 



-2^ 






COPYRIGHT 

1888, 

BY W. R. KIEFER. 



INTRODUCTION. 



BY J. J, SMITH D. D. 



It is not the object of the writer of tliis book to confine the 
attention of the reader to any one line of thought so as to make a 
specialty of any particular class of facts, as would a writer on com- 
mercial affairs make the national exchange of commodities and 
the laws of trade his theme ; or as would an ecclesiastical historian 
dwell exclusively upon matters connected with the church ; or as 
the military historian would confine himself to wars, campaigns, 
strategetical movements of armies, and battles upon land and sea; 
but in the selection of events the author has evidently sought to 
group and combine the leading local facts of this town, both his- 
torical and biographical, together with narratives, incidents, tradi- 
tions and illustrations that cannot fail to be deeply interesting, 
especially to the people of Stony Point and its vicinity, covering, 
as it does, more or less of the whole period of our national exist- 
ence. 

Besides, this work can hardly fail to interest the children also, 
inasmuch as it speaks of persons, many of whom they have already 
become more or less interested in as neighbors and friends, while 
some sustain the more endearing relationship of kindred. In ad- 
dition to this it treats of events that have occurred principally 
within a district with which they are themselves familiar, and 
which has already become endeared to them by their every day 
associations. 



INtRODUCTION. 

This consideration is of special importance to parents, because 
the human mind is so constituted that it must be, of necessity, oc- 
cupied in the pursuit of some object, and consequently if it is not 
directed by a guiding hand into proper channels, it Avill seek such 
amusements as may lead directly to indulgence and dissipation. 
Such a book as this, considered simply in the liglit of amusement, 
possesses a very great advantage over the numerous publications 
of mere liction, that in too many instances inflame the imagination 
and excite the worst passions. In this way the morals of tliousands 
of the rising generation are permanently corrupted, if not de- 
stroyed. It is because of this fact that parents should see to it 
that such books are put into their hands as will instruct as well as 
amuse, and which are morally pure. Such a book we have in the 
" Stony Point Illustrated." 



PREFACE. 



It is the purpose of the author of the following pages to pre- 
serve for the generations to come Revolutionary and home pic- 
tures of Stony Point; also, some of the characteristics of the peo- 
ple. If the descendants of the present families who shall live 
here an hundred years from this time shall read this book with as 
much interest as its author takes in the writing and publication, 
our labor will have been amply rewarded. 

Having spent four years on these Revolutionary grounds, 
which are sacred to every true American, and are being more and 
more visited by historians and military students for their classic 
and historic interest, we feel that we should do violence to the 
promptings ot our patriotic impulses not to note at least a few of 
the important features which have daily come to our notice. 

The map which forms the frontispiece to this volume is in 
part a reprint from the original British surveys, and which had 
been printed for Wm. Faden, Geoghrapher to the King, March 
1st, 1781. A perfected survey was procured from field notes 
made by Prof. L. Wilson of Haverstraw. The improvements on 
the map were by the author after a special study of the entire field. 
How peculiarly fitting that the signal ofiicer of the day of 
the semi-centennial celebration of "The Storming" should be a 
man of the same name as the man who commanded the advance 
regiment that entered the main redoubt in company with Briga- 
dier General Wayne ! His name was Febriger, and when the 
colors were to be waved as a signal for the ships' guns to fire this 



PREFACE. 

same Febriger, a young and gallant Lieutenant, j)erfoi*nied that 
most honorable duty. 

General Ward, we are told, was here as chief director of the 
attempt to explain " The Storming." The day was so extremely 
hot that any attempt at an action which would require great exer- 
tion would have been hazardous. The writer was present and 
overheard the officers in a dispute as to who should command, and 
as to how to proceed. Tlieir ideas of the real assault were the 
most confused. 

There are persons still living here who shook hands with vet- 
erans of the capture of Stony Point. In a very few years these 
living witnesses will be silenced forever, and the important links 
of testimony which they can furnish will be missing, never to be 
recalled. 

We cherish with exalted respect and grateful memory the re- 
cital of these ti'aditional deeds of the departed heroes of the bril- 
liant achievement, and to record them in this volume is our proud- 
est work — purely, too, a labor of love. 

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of C. B. Story and 
E. A. Thompson in the preparation of the work which is now 
submitted to the reader. 

THE AUTHOK. 



CONTEIs'TS. 



Part I. 



Chapter I — Monuinental History. - - - . 9 

H— Our Historic Ground. - - - - - 11 

III — The Primitive Inhabitants. - - - 18 

" IV —The First Wliite Settlers. - - - - i>] 

V — The Capture of Stony Point. - - . ;^o 

^^^ — 'i'l^e Forgotten Monuments of our Heroes. - 42 

^^i^ — The Treason of Arnold. - - - - 4t> 

y I II— Operations on the Hudson. - - - - r)4 

IX — Traditions of the Revolution. - - - fio 

X— Relics. ----.... 

" XI — The Celebration. - - - . . 



1 ( 

85 



Part II. 

Chapter I— The Prospects of the Place. - - - - 101 

'' II — Fisliing. --..._. iQ^ 

" III— The Geology of Stony Point. - 

. " IV— Music. --..... 

V— The Churches. ----.. n;^ 

" VI — Registration. - - _ _ . . ^23 

^11— Piogi-aphical Sketches. ----- 129 

" VIII— Self-Made Men. - - . . . ^^j, 



106 
111 



Stony Point Illustrated, 

PART I. • 



STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 



CHAPTER I. 

MONUMENTAL HISTORY ITS GREAT UTILITY. 

^1^3^-EFORE the introduction of writing, past events were re- 
dAp^ corded with the chisel on the rock. The ancient Egyptians 
and Mexicans represented ideas by the use of pictures or engrav- 
ings of celestial bodies, the human body, animals, &c. They were 
most commonly cut in relief on the face of rock, but sometimes 
they were traced out with a reed with coloring of vegetable and 
mineral inks, known in the Glyptic art as polychrome. Those 
representing simple ideas are called ideaographs, and those ex- 
pressing sounds are Q,dX\ed phonetics. 

In the days when men lived five hundred years, and nearly 
twice that length of time, writing and monumental engraving 
were not so essential to the preservation of events. The art of 
writing was more fully developed when mans' days were cut down 
to '' three score and ten." 

Monuments are the most convincing historians of all the 
mediums which men employ for the transmission of events. 

On the face of the rock in Kosciusko's Garden at West Point 
are engraved on the granite immortal words which are read by 
every visitor. All the epitaphs of the park are of peculiar inter- 
est, while in the cliff of the rock near by is still legible the mark 
of a cannon ball, which, it is said, was fired from an English gun on 
the river, -^hile the General lay sleeping on a narrow ledge only a 
few inches below the spot where the missile took effect. 



10 



STONY POINT ILLUSTBATED. 



On the Palisade of the Eocky Falls, on the beautiful Dela- 
ware River, about tifty miles north of Philadelphia, may still be 
seen an indenture with a piece of iron wedged in it, as the result 
of a floating wreck of some boat which was swept by on the wild 
and maddened stream daring the great freshet of 1861 ; that mark 
on the face of the rock will for all time, that the granite remains, 
indicate the height to which the river had risen. Monuments are 
still standing which prove the high-water mark of a freshet in the 
same river in 1841. 

These spots, chiseled in the natural rock, either by hand or 
by nature, mark certain events which the student of history reads 
with profoundest interest ; they form the very alphabet and lan- 
guage of his investigation of causes and events ; to him they pre" 
sent true historic beauty and are living imprints of artificial and 
natural causes. 

Many are the noble deeds which 
the faithful forefathers of our peo- 
ple wrought for their posterity. 
All about us are fruits which their 
hands have cultivated. Of few, if 
any, can a memoir l)e found. Why 
should not we record for genera- 
tions to come, the alfairs that oc- 
cupy our attention, the customs 
that enslave or enrich our citizens, 
the haps and mishaps that are incidental to our community — that 
excite us to sadness or pleasure — and thus preserve from decay 
what would otherwise remain unknown to those who shall follow 
us and know only that we once lived. 




OUK HISTOKIC GEOIJND. 11 




CHAPTER II. 

OUR HISTOEIC GKOUND. 

>0 PLACE on the noble River of Hudson can more justly 
boast of important historic data, or more enchanting 
scenery, than our Revolutionary Stony Point ; and yet we fear 
that in all the records of our national civilization, or the annals of 
the struggle of our nation for independence, no place of similar 
historic value is more meagerly treated. A heritage so grandly 
sanctified by the bravery and true devotion of our patriot fathers 
should elicit the tenderest interest of the immediate descendants, 
if not, as well, of the most remote citizen of the land, 

A feeling of sadness steals over the writer as he approaches 
the duty of gathering the treasures of history which the departed 
fathers, and mothers, too, have earned for us. How much to be 
lamented that some kind survivor did not earlier write up their 
heroic deeds ! How deep and sad was the neglect of so tender a 
work ! 

How many a broken home would be cheered in their pilgrim- 
age if they could turn to some biographical cabinet and read the 
life of their departed ! Alas ! they can with the poet exclaim : 
" The departed ! the departed ! 

They visit us in dreams, 
And they glide above our memories 

Like shadows over streams ; 
But where the cheerful lights of home 

In constant luster burn. 
The departed, the dej)arted 
Can never more return ! " 



12 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

How many a devoted mother, liaving failed to procure a pho- 
tograph of her darHng child, mourns the more bitterly over the 
unpardonable neglect in the event of the child's death ! Had she 
the opportunity to improve again, nothing would hinder her from 
the possession. Many valuable treasures of thought are buried in 
the grave. With a few remembered. sayings the obituary of many 
is completed ; whereas at the cost of a few hours of pleasant labor 
a volume of useful and comforting memoir could have been pre- 
served. 

It was to meet this want, in part, that these pages were 
prompted to be penned. The limit of our design and space forbid- 
ding anything more than a bare synopsis of such obituary of de- 
ceased persons as may incidentally be met with, our object shall be 
chiefly to record the prominent and worthy deeds of persons who 
live among us now. 

Of the character of the ancestors of these people we shall 
speak more full in succeeding chapters, especially of those of 
whom the poet said : 

" Fair Science frowned not on his humble birth. " 
(Nor would we) 

" Further seek his merits to disclose, 

"■ Nor draw his frailties from their dread abode, 
^ Where they alike in trembling hope repose — 
'•'■ The bosom of his Father and his God." 

The shortness of the time since our village was founded or 
began its material development would allow us to embrace more 
persons in the memorial department of the geneological record ; 
and yet for want of space, and because many otherwise well-dis- 
posed persons failed to return the blanks sent them, our record 
must be brief in the case of many. 



THE PRIMITIVE INHABITANTS. 13 




CIIxVPTER III. 

THE PRIMITIVE INHABITANTS THE INDIANS. 

^E WILL notice the natives of the primitive forests as 
^ liaving prior claims. The Indians were ahead of us all. 
Before the colonists disputed, with sword and musket, the inva- 
sion of the enemy of our national freedom, the red man sat sur- 
rounding the fires of his rude wigwam on these sacred shores. 
Many generations of these nomadic people are probably entombed 
in our sandy hillocks. 

Long before our ancestors, devoted to immediate and future 
settlement on our beautiful bay, sauntering Indians from the banks 
of the Mohawk made their extended journeys to our sloping shores 
and drew their canoes on our silent beach. Here Powontonamo, 
the eagle of his tribe, with his laden canoe, broke the smooth sur- 
face of the " Tappan Zee," and held communion with the chief 
of the Algonquin tribe. During thousands of moons the delight- 
ed and simple natives danced beneath broad oaks which spread for 
canopy along these shores of the '' River of the Mountain ;" here 
tribe after tribe sung their warlike deeds to their children and har- 
vested the fruits of nature's orchards and vineyards of neighboring 
hills. Even here on these grounds where our temples stand and 
God is worshipped, the wild-man also bowed to the " Great Spirit." 

" The same stars that sank and reposed behind the primitive 
shelter of the dusky inhabitant, shine over us now. Beneath the 
same sun that shines on us the Indian hunter pursued the panting 
deer ; gazing on the same moon that smiles on you, the Indian 
lover wooed his dusky mate. Here the wigwams' blaze beamed 
on the tender and helpless, and the council fire glared on the wise 



14 StOl?Y POINT ILLUSTRAfED. , 

and daring, l^ow they dipped their noble limbs in your sedgy 
lake ( bay ) and now they paddled the light canoe along your rocky 
shores. Here they warred ; the echoing whoop, the bloody grap- 
ple, the defying death song — all were here : and when the tiger 
strife was over, here curled the smoke of peace." 

Two hundred and fifty winters ago sledges laden with the 
skins of the otter and beaver glided over the ice of our Hudson, 
while but a few years later troops of New Amsterdam ( now !New 
York City,) ascended the river to protect Esopus from the attack 
of the Indians. The Iroquois Indians were early associated with 
the English government of New York State. As early as 1685, 
Governor Dongan opposed the enslaving of the Iroquois Indians 
to a religion which would have allied them to the French nation, 
with whom this same tribe afterward became seriously involved in 
war. In 1684 the governors of N^ew York and Virginia held a 
war council with the " Five Nations " at Albany, and secured a 
treaty of peace. Up to that time the most of the country around 
here was an unbroken forest and was part of the domain of the 
swarthy dwellers of the wood. Sachem after Sachem for centuries 
fished in our streams, shot his arrows across our ravine, and snared 
the grouse of the native glens. 

These shores, the most accessible from the sea and highland 
stream, and the most natural outlet to the great wooded district on 
the west, witnessed many an extraordinary Indian scene. This 
broad, wealthy, healthful plateau had for them, as for us, elysian 
charms. Here cupid's lustful eye looked long and insatiate ; here 
stranger than all, the halting trail encamped on soil which glacial 
ages had deposited only for the white man, while the unconscious 
" lords of the domain " were satisfied with their stone implements 
and humble ornaments gathered from the banks of the Shatemuc 
River as our Hudson was called. 



THE PRIMITIVE INHABITANTS. 15 

The Cliampac tree of India is probably not more sacred to 
the Buddhist worshipper than our veneral)le cedars were to the ca" 
noe builders, the Minsies of the l)ay shore. Many specimens of 
those durable barks were long- years after objects of common inter- 
est to the early white settlers. The Dutch called them Sanhecan 
barks. 

Here on rocks and terraces they knotted the meshes of the 
fisliing seine or counted wampum to mark the departing seasons or 
note the great events of their savage lives. Here the story of a 
man saved by a canoe foreshadowed the orthodox history of a gen- 
eral flood. 

In the grand forest which then shaded and beautified the 
beach from Grassy Point to Ilaverstraw, Indian boys and girls 
played at games so peculiar to their forest life. The bald vacancy 
of the present locality is in pitiful contrast to the green fringe of 
trees that then ornamented the noble river. 

But, alas ! these hunting lands and play grounds of the red race 
are here despoiled for savage and enlightened alike forever. The 
rocks of our minor Palisades and the towering "Thor" no longer send 
back the echoing of the laugh of the savage juveniles or the songs 
of the chase or gathering corn by the sons and daughters of the 
" Haverstroos " of these woods. Not even a tree or mound is left 
to mark the spot where the red man rested from the trail on the 
beautiful banks of the Dutch Mauritus. The winding Minescon- 
go still flowing in her primitive silence from eddy to eddy, from 
meadow to mead, meandering in the shadow of the June grasses, 
slowly moves to mingle at last with the waters of the great 
Hudson at the extreme north of the peninsular of Grassy Point; 
but the aboriginies, the old, the young, the playful, the grave, with 
their arts of the field and pastimes of the camp, are gone. Two 
centuries have changed the character of a great continent, and blot- 



16 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

ted forever from its face nearly a whole peculiar people. They 
live only in the stories that charm our children. Their melan- 
choly sigh is heard dying across the plains of the far west. 

" They waste ns ; ay, like April snow, 
In the warm noon we slirink away : 

And fast they follow as we go 
Toward the setting day, — 

Till they shall fill the land, and we 
Are driven into the western sea." 

Bryant. 
Conquered, yet untamed, the American Indians were early 
provided with moral instruction. Who knows but chiefs walked 
these banks who saw Elliot's Indian Bible. Nearly a century and 
a liaK ago, David Brainerd preached to tribes in the State of New 
Jersey who occasionally gathered from the up23er Hudson. The 
dialects of the Esquimau and Algonquin stretched eastward from 
the Rocky Mountains, covering the vast region from Behring's 
Strait to Greenland, and southward to the St. Lawrence, and was 
according to good authority the main language along the Atlantic 
coast, while the earliest students of philology trace kindred meth- 
ods of exchange of thought among all the various Indian families. 
How wisely has it been said: " And all this has passed away. 
Across the ocean came a Pilgrim bark, bearing the seeds of life 
and death ; the former were sown for you : the latter sprang uj) 
in the path of the simple native." 

A few illustrations of the Indian language will be interesting 
to our youthful readers. The Sioux Indian draws the right hand 
across the throat ; by this he signifies " cut-throats " or murderers. 
One tribe touches the left breast, the region of the heart, and is 
understood even by another tribe to mean good-hearted. To de- 
scribe a chief, the mute native raises his finder above his head. 



THE PRIMITIVE INHABITANTS. IT 

and with it makes a reverse motion, raising or lowering the 
finger according to the size of the person he is describing. An 
amusing sign to express a woman is for the speaker to draw the 
fingers slowly through the hair, something after the fashion of the 
hair exliibitors on Fourteenth street. New York, and then, by ad- 
ding the wave sign, a movement of the hand from front to the 
right, as one of us would do in depreciation of a thing, the person 
addressed understands the speaker to mean that the person he is 
describing is not a woman, but a man. He would be understood 
to be describing a female by the combing process, and a male by 
the sign of combing long hair and the depreciating sign of no or 
not added. Rivers are indicated by the moving along of the ex- 
tended hand, which conveys the idea of a running stream. If no 
water abounds the savage makes the sign of water, and follows it 
by the sign of no. If he wishes to own the garment or implement 
of another, he rubs the forefinger over the nose. If he wishes to 
show that he had a good crop of corn or fruit he gives the sign of 
the article, whether grain or fruit, and then proceeds to a motion 
of heaping up with the hands. The hollow hand brought to the 
lips, conveys the idea of thirst. Cleanliness is shown by rubbing 
the palm of the right hand over that of the left, in an outward di- 
rection toward the fingers. This sign language is common to all 
the tribes of the American Indians, and was pretty well read by 
the first settlers here. 

England early provided for schoohng the native Indians. A 
school called " Wheelock School," in New Hampsliire, was origi- 
nally instituted for the benefit of the Indians ; finally, Dartmouth 
College, from whose classic and scientific halls such men as Daniel 
Webster and Rufus Choate graduated, grew out of it. 

Grammar was taught the Rhode Island Indians as early as 
1650. Thus the foundations of educational institutions were con- 



18 STOlSfY POIlSfT ILLtTSTRATED. 

temporary with the introduction of civilization among the New 
England aboriginal tribes. They will rise in the judgment and 
bless the name of Roger Williams, who taught them the first rudi- 
mentary elements of the laws of their language, and through them 
the knowledge of the true God. 

' Canadian Indians are still singing religious songs compiled in 
their language in the early days of mission work among the Mo- 
hawk natives, by the missionaries of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. John Wesley labored among them in the south, in 1736. 
Wm. Bradford, publisher of the New York. Gazette^ about 
1T15, printed the book of "Common Prayer" in the Indian lan- 
guage. 

The following soliloquy on the finding of an arrow-head, was 
compiled by the Rev, J, J. Smith, D. D. It is by his kind per- 
mission we insert two stanzas of the poem. 

" Thou relic of the long gone past. 

Memento of a race 
Now either gone or fading fast. 

Whose history none may trace, 
Thou tellest of a former day, 

When on hills, plains and all, 
The shadows of vast forests lay, 
Like a dark, dreary pall." 
Who can say but that one hundred and sixty years ago, these 
shores reverberated with the voice of prayer, wliich arose from 
the lips of the swarthy sons of those forest wilds, in utterance of 
the same petitions that to-day arise from our altars, and the lips of 
the red man said : "■ Our Father who art in heaven." But, alas, 
those infantile mutterings are stilled like the ripples of their ply- 
ing canoe. Shadows of long obhvion hang over that early forest 
geneology. The war-whoop of the maurauding Iroquois, the In- 



THE PRIMITIVE iJifllABrt^ANtS. 



19 



dian of Indians, who called themselves "People of the long 
house," have slept for ages in the narrow house of their forest 
graves. The Mohawks, the Algonquins, the Tappans, the Minsies, 
the Haverstroos and all the sub-tribes and families of the red men, 
have melted away forever. The foot that once lightly pressed our 
native heather and brushed the morning dew along Flora Falls, 
has long mingled with the dust to which we are all tending. 

Here on the sides of the canyons are still to be found the off- 
spring of the ancient pines of which Garland wrote in the beauti- 
ful stanza which follows, among which we may imagine we hear 
the voice of the departed American Indian : 
" O, sunless deeps of northern pines, 
O, broad snow laden arms of fir, 
Dim aisles, where wolves slip to and fro, 
And noiseless wild deer swiftly skirr. 
O, home of wind songs, wild and grand. 

As suits thy mighty strains, O harp, 
On which the north wind lays his hand, 
I walk thy pungent glooms once more. 
And shout amid thy stormful roar." 




20 



STONY POINT ILLtrSTRATED. 



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FIRST WHITE SETTLERS. 21 



CHAPTER IV. 

FIRST WHITE SETTLERS. 

^HgNTED ATIN G the Revolution we note some of the early 
characteristics of the first settlers from foreign shores; 
especially would we trace the origin of the religious and moral 
proclivities of the people. 

Their morals have a noble ancestral history of Puritan stock. 
The early settlers were deeply read in the divine book ; as inflexi- 
ble as their wills were their convictions of riijhteousness. Their 
nativities were Dutch, French and a few Swedes ; hence the stur- 
diness of many of the oldest inhal)itants when encountered by 
principles not founded in righteousness. Later, the people were 
leavened by English thought and habit, though the predominant 
bent of public thought was Hollandish. 

Out of their sentiments of supreme love of and loyalty to the 
great political principles of their day, they laid well the foundations 
of civil and moral excellence now seen so broad and deep in the 
present conglomerate people. 

Dutch were one of the trio of nations that settled on our ''North 
River," and traded with the savages in ''skins of the deer, the ot- 
ter and the beaver." Meantime settlements wei-e spreading with 
their leavening civilizations from the Atlantic sea-board to west- 
ward, southward and to the North Sea. The grants of foreign 
powers took each their own trend ; the English westward toward 
the golden shores ; the French from St. Lawrence to the Great 
Gulf, and the Spaniards to the dark, cold Arctic Ocean, " In the 
centre of the wild, trackless, shaggy continent lay our Empire 



^^ STONY POINT ILLUSTKATED. 

State. The vast unexplored forests were wrapped in savage slum- 



ber, 



The following is a picture of our crude native land as drawn 
by Parknian : 

" On the banks of the James was a nest of woebegone Eng- 
lishmen, a handful of fur-traders at the mouth of the Hudson, and 
a few shivering Frenchmen among the snow-drifts of Acadia; 
while amid the still wilder desolation, Champlain upheld the ban- 
ner of France over the icy rock of Quebec. These were the ad- 
vance guard of civilization-the messengers of promise to a desert 
continent." 

Kew York was the architrave of the national building. It 
was more : it formed the base of the superstructure. While the 
composition of its moral granite was made of the sohd, plodding 
Holland character, the manufacturing genius of England, and the 
romantic sprightliness of French etiquette, its cementing religious 
virtues were extractions of French Hugunot, the quint essence of 
English formality, and the sturdiness of Dutch perseverance. 

Our present Stony Point society rests on pillars of the above 
construction, while ancestral names bear the image of the forego- 
ing progenitors. 

Ireland, so proliHc of noble genius and native wit and elo- 
quence, has likewise given of her purest and most honored sons to 
the development of our local resources, and the spread of our in- 
dustrial energies. 

As father Marquette, who died on the banks of the Arkansas 
in search of the - Father of Waters," in 1673, was buried near the 
mouth of the river which bears his name, and as Champlain, cap- 
tivated by the charms of Canada, longed to plant there an empire 
of his people, but died on the St. Lawrence and was buried on the 
soil he had won, so many of the sons of ''Erin" now sleep in 



FIRST WHITE SETTLERS. 



23 



the midst of their toils hard by " Mt. Kepose," and rest in the soil 
which wooed them from their fatherland — the salubrious isle of 
their nativity — to seek the wealth and freedom of these lucrative 
shores. They found here the veritable "• Curragh Kildare " of the 
Hudson, with her broad, deep clay beds — the emerald '' Bog Al- 
len " of the Upper Netherlands. 




RILEY <fc CLARK S BRICK-YAKD. 



While many sons and daughters of that British Isle rest here 
from their toil, honorable and long is the list of the living who 
still press the pursuits of their illustrious departed. Of those liv- 
ing among us it is just to say their sturdy muscle largely holds thei 
financial grip of the immense brick industry of our town. It 
would be simple injustice to their economical and faithful toil to 
omit a record of them in tliis volume. Lads, who '' patted and 
edged " brick in these yards a score of years ago, are now among 
the most successful manufacturers, and dwell amidst affluence and 
high social surroundings, with the means to live in imperial style. 
Their civility, as neighbors, and their manly dealing in business, 
have won for them well merited esteem. Inclining mainly to the 
Catholic faith religiously, they have had liberal success. Their 
friendly relations to all other evangelical chiu'ches have gained for 



24 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

them a sympathy which extends to their material aid in all their 
ecclesiastical work for which they are noted in a pre-eminent de- 
gree. No undertaking of the writer has ever received any kind 
of disregard by those kind hearted people. Onr subscription lists 
are well sprinkled with Celtic names, while the bricks in many 
charitable institutions and Christian churches are stamped with in- 
itials of Irish manufacturers. 

So these men have " pitched their tents before the city," and 
as a distinguished memorial of their prosperity have erected their 
churches, saying : " Elioeani — toward him are mine eyes." 

Devotion to God was so closely connected with devotion to 
their country, among the struggling colonists, that it is easy to see 
how the zeal for the one was inflamed by the other. 

At the news of the great victory over Cornwallis at the fall 
of Yorktown, Virginia, an event which in effect recovered the 
whole country to the poor starving men, women and children of 
this undeveloped country, high transports of exhultation burst 
upon the colonists, and the great victory was celebrated in every 
part of the union. Under a devout sense of signal Divine help in 
this extraordinary time, Washington requested his army to observe 
a special day of religious service, and an order read to the troops 
said that ''all the troops should engage in it with serious deport- 
ment, and that sensibility of heart which the surprising and par- 
ticular interposition of Providence in their favor claimed." 

By an act of Congress then assembled in the city of Philadel- 
phia, the 18tli day of December was set apart as a day of prayer ; 
and as an example to our fathers and mothers, that dignified body 
of warriors and public men went in procession to a church in that 
city " to return thanks to Almighty God for the signal success of 
the American arms." 

Succeeding Andross, whom the people looked upon as a ty- 



FIRST WHITE SETTLEES. 25 

rant, Cololiel Thomas Dongan, a Koman Catholic, was appointerl 
Governor of the Empire State. It was dnring his administration, 
by the advice of the Quaker, Wm. Penn, that the first assembly 
was called and the first " Charter of Liberties " was formulated. 

The freedom of thought and legislative privilege enjoyed by 
the fathers must ever be accorded in large measure to the liberal 
minded Dongan, without whose consent, at least, the following im- 
mortal legislation would not have been made : 

" Supreme legislative power shall forever reside in the Gov- 
ernor, Council and people in General Assembly ; that every free- 
holder and freeman may vote for Representatives without restraint ; 
that no freeman shall suffer but by judgment of his peers, and all 
trials shall be by a jury of twelve men ; that no tax shall be assess- 
ed on any pretence whatever, but by the consent of the Assembly ; 
that no seaman or soldier shall be quartered on the inhabitants 
against their will ; that no martial law shall exist ; and that no per- 
son professing f mi h i7i God hy Jesus Christ, shall at any time be 
in any way disquieted or questioned for any difference of opinion 
in matters of religion." 

Again, in 1698, the Governorship of New York fell on Bella- 
mont, an Irish peer, whose strong will and unimpeachable integri- 
ty did much for our people, and unlike the intolerant Fletcher, 
who labored with great zeal in endeavoring to establish the Eng- 
lish church, allowed that freedom to worship God, for which the 
Pilgrim Fathers had sought these shores. 

The religious sentiment which still adheres to our community 
had culminated during the Colonial existence of our ancestors in 
fixed Puritanical principles and customs. As the government of 
the people had more and more become English, that portion of soci- 
ety that were of Dutch and Swedish origin did not readily take to 
the ceremonies of the ritualistic English church. In fact, the 



26 STONY POINT ILLtrSTKATED. 

"Whig and Tory spirit tliat agitated the people politically during 
the Revolution, entered largely into the ecclesiastical and religious 
life of the early families. If an English settler entertained 
Tory sentiments, he endorsed high-church aristocracy — English 
establishment notions. If he was of the Puritanical sect, he turn- 
ed his English enthusiasm and political views to the best account 
toward the success of the Church of the Reformation. This was 
mainly true of all the respective nationahties, who represented the 
mixed settlement of the town. 

The same ambition that obtained in Scotland, in 1625, when 
King James attempted to establish a conformity in worship and 
discipline between the churches of the two kingdoms, ( Scotland 
and England,) was shown by the Royal authorities in the days of 
the colonists here. The same zeal which actuated the Scottish no- 
biHty and the common people of Scotland to maintain separate 
church and " kirk," also obtained among the Puritan people of 
this country. 

While the Dutch, who settled in IS^ew Amsterdam and extend- 
ed their trading-posts to our cove, along the river, were mainly di- 
rect descendants from Holland proper, others of them were from 
French Huguenot descent. These latter were chiefly found among 
the more religious families, and from whom can be traced the line- 
age of some of our best citizens. 

Hume, the English historian, said the name " Puritan " stood 
for three parties. " There were the political Puritans, who main- 
tained the highest principles of civil liberty ; the Puritans in dis- 
cipHne, who were averse to the ceremonies and Episcopal govern- 
ment of the Church ; and the doctrinal Puritans, who rigidly de- 
fended the speculative systems of the first reformers." 

In the spirit of the above exposition of a Puritan, the philo- 
sophic reader will discover the true germs of RepubUcanism, which 



FIEST WHITE SETTLERS. 



27 







W. TOMPKINS — REVOLUTIONARY HOUSE. 

afterward culminated in the platform of the Revolutionary Whig 
party, from which the Republican party sprang, as to its incipient 
principles. Few persons, even among the educated, can show 
the real difference between Democracy as it was originally, and 
Republicanism as it really is, when properly defined. As inde- 
pendence and freedom are terms of similar meaning, so Democ- 
racy and Republicanism, when properly explained, convey but one 
meaning — that not to be ruled by royalty, but by themselves ; but 
as people cannot rule themselves without organization and govern- 
mental authority vested in some one of their number, either party 
must adopt some form of government based on representative 
choice. Both are representative systems as against an arbitrary sys- 
tem of roval ruling. 

As the political parties grew, naturally they would take on 
differing views of national questions. The greed of power, the 



28 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

love of money, desire for luxuries, suggested political bribery. The 
desire to get a livelihood out of other persons' labors, took shape in 
certain great sectional economies. Cotton became king. Money 
became synonymous with power. Human labor became capital. 
Men and women were bought for their labor value, and were 
propagated and imported for that purpose. Ownershif) of souls 
gave power of their disposal and treatment. Education assured 
the rising generations of a livelihood, whether honorable or other- 
wise. Emigration soon created national jealousy. Some factions 
opposed the coming of so many foreigners, and so the national 
questions increased in number and importance. Politics became 
God, and God interfered, and contending armies of the opposing 
factions engaged in the deadly strife. Civil war covered the land. 

However, so strongly had the minds of the colonists become 
imbued with the spirit of independence, both from what they had 
seen in the imperial ruling of the foreign king at home, and what 
they saw of his rule by the Governors of his appointment in the col- 
onies, that, wherever they settled in the new country, they inculca- 
ted on those under them, their own opinions and sj)irit of self-gov- 
ernment. 

As proof of this, we have but to read the following extract 
from the writings of Graham, who said : "It was for no ordinary 
people that the land ( America ) was reserved, and of no common 
qualities or vulgar superiority that it was ordained to be the prize." 
The language of the emigrating people themselves, in their request 
to King James for his approval of the embarkation, was proof of 
this growing desire for civil and religious liberty. In unmistaka- 
ble words they said : '' We are well weaned from the delicate milk 
of the mother country, and inured to the difficulties of a strange 
land. "We are knit together in a strict and sacred bond, by virtue 
of which we hold ourselves bound to take care of the good of each 



FIRST WHITE SETTLERS. 



29 




TOMPKINS COVE METHODIST CHURCH. 

other, and of the whole. It is not with us as with other men, 
whom small things discourage, or cause to wish themselves at home 
again." 

How full of meaning is the following old Pilgrim song, when 
applied to settlers of our town : 
" Ay, call it holy ground. 

The soil where first they trod. 
They have left unstained what ( here ) they found ; 
Freedom to worship God." 




30 



STONY POINT ILLrSTRATED. 




fcroui Harptr's Mu;razii 



C\'V>riKl't. l^::l, liv Harper- i limllu 



GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE. 

CHAPTER Y. 

THE STORMING OR CAPTURE OF STONY POINT FORT. 

^S WE look from the window of our study, wliicli commands 
a magnificent view of the entire promontory from west to 
east, on the cherished ruins of the old fort, and on the same placid 
waters at its base, where war ships once had anchored, and then 




THE CAPTURE OF STONY POINT. 31 

read the letter, which Wayne, in broken English, penned as his first 
report to General Washington, a few minutes after the carnage had 
ceased, and while dying captives and vanquished foes were begging 
dismantled at his feet, we copy for the readers of centuries to 
come, the^foUowing immortal words : 

" Stony Point, 2 o'clock a. m., 16 July, 1779. 
Dear General : 

The fort and garrison, with Colonel Johnson, are ours. Our 
officers and men behaved like men who are determined to be free. 

Yours most sincerely, 

ANTHONY WAYNE." 

The reader is now sufficiently interested to want a fuller ac- 
count of the great event. It was at midnight. The hour was a 
sad token of the troubled condition of the country at that time. 
It was a time of terrible despondency. Much of the wealth and 
aristocracy of the colonies was almost prepared to compromise 
with the British. Congress was doubtful. Washington had been 
in command of the patriots with varying success, since his appoint- 
ment. May 10, 1775. He had had some decided victories, but 
more failures. Washington's faith never wavered, but sustained 
him, because he knew his cause was just. He had solidified his 
purposes by prayers and tears. During his stay at Valley Forge 
he was overheard, on bended knee, in a ravine, pleading with God 
for victory. Mr. Potts, who happened to overhear the prayer, re- 
lated the solemn incident to his wife, and remarked : If there was 
any one to whom the Lord would listen, it was George Washing- 
ton, and that under such a commander their independence was 
certain. Pennsylvania and Massachusetts had, through distin- 
guished delegations, sought to predjudice Congress against Wash- 
ington. England, tired and frightened, sought by overtures and 
costly bribes to ask reconcihation. 



32 



STONY POINT ILLtJSTRATEB. 




Benjamin Franklin was at 

that time embassador to France, 

and secnred assistance from 

that nation, but large numbers 

\^ of the colonists had joined the 



Tories with the hope that in the 
event of the victory of England, 
they would be spared. It was 
a question now of life and 
death. A company of natives, 
some of them citizens of our 
town, had united in the defence of the fort, after its evacuation by 
Washington, the last of May, less than two months before its re- 
capture, of which we are writing. 

As an index of the public feeling that Washington would fail, 
we quote from Wayne's letter to his brother-in-law, Sharpe Dela- 
ney, Philadelphia, penned at Spring Steels an hour before the as- 
sault, midnight, July 15, 1779, in which Wayne says as follows : 
" You have often heard me default the supineness and unworthy 
torpidity into which Congress were lulled, and that it was my de- 
cided opinion this would be a sanguinary campaign in which many 
of the choicest spirits and much of the best blood in America 
would be lost, owing to the parsimony and neglect of Congress. If 
ever any prediction was true, it is this ; and if ever a great and good 
man was surrounded with a choice of difficulties, it is General 
Washington. I fear the consequences. I see clearly that he will 
be impelled to make other attempts and efforts in order to save his 
country ; that his numbers will not be adequate, and that he may 
fall a sacriiice to the folly and parsimony of our worthy rulers P 

It is plain to see that a great and desperate hour had come. 
To meet the present emergency a gigantic stroke of military prow- 



THE CAPTtnsE OE STONY 1>01NT. "SS 

ess must be made. Washington saw that a crisis had arrived. 
Great and farseeing strategy was revolving behind the broad 
brow of the Herculean General. He looked about for generalship 
of the sturdiest type, on account of the heavy blow about to be 
struck, so that the British arm, which held in its grip of steel the 
redoubts of Yerplanck's and Stony Point, with their out works, 
might be broken. At high and commanding points above the garri- 
sons and out of reach of the unsuspecting Tories and foreign troops 
on the river fortifications, Gen. Washington had improvised tem- 
porary forts. Meanwhile the marshaling of selected troops had 
placed under the command of the gallant Wayne a certain num- 
ber of the most reliable men of the army. A reconnoitering sys- 
tem had been carried on for at least a month before the attack. 
The works, the contour of the land, the natural and artificial de- 
fences, the tide water obstructions of the point, together with the 
advantageous prospects for fleet attack from the north and south 
sides of the promontory, had received the careful personal investi- 
gation of the Commander in Chief, as well as of the head Engi- 
neers and the shrewdest Generals, even to the picked men who 
were to lead the van of the volunteers on the fatal night. Every 
precaution of a well planned campaign had been taken, and Gen- 
eral Wayne allowed his ovm set time when a " favorable opportu- 
nity for striking an advantageous stroke " should be presented. 

Washington had, on the 6th of July, made a personal exami- 
nation of the enemy's garrison, and pronounced the " works form- 
idable," but entertained the hope that on a further examination 
they might be " found accessible." His knowledge, however, in 
the nature of things, must be limited as to the enemy's fortifica- 
tion of the hill ; for as Wayne had offered to attend the General 
on the 2nd of July, in a personal inspection of the works, under a 
strong guard of the " Light Corps," it is pretty clearly evident 



34 



STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 




From Harper's Magazine, 



( npyriglit, l&7;i, by Harper & Brothers 

THE BATTLE OF STONY POINT. 



that the examination was, to say the least of it, made under con- 



THE CAPTURE OF STONY POINT. 35 

siderable danger. Anyone acquainted with the geography of the 
elevation will see with what extreme difficulty an inspection by 
day-light must be attended. The extreme length of the land from 
the causeway and rivulet, which bound it on the west, to the bold, 
high, rocky face, which juts into the river toward Verplanck's 
Point on the opposite side, is probably a full half mile. On the 
ridge and undulating ground are a number of rough, rocky hills, 
which would form clever fortifications with the least engineering, 
while natural openings occurred between them. On careful study, 
some of these hills reveal traces of rifle pits and breast-works. 

Entirely contrary to the common opinion, the front of the 
enemy's fortification was to the west, and that the southern expos- 
ure of the garrison was the right flank ; and, as Washington states 
in his note of the 9th, to Wayne, a British deserter gave informa- 
tion of a "• sandy beach on the south side, running along the flank 
of the works, and only obstructed, 'at that point,' by a hght ahatis, 
which might afford an easy and safe approach to a body of troops." 

In accordance with this theory, as shown in the fuller report 
of Wayne to his superior, on the 17th, two days after the assault, 
the van of the right, under command of Lieut. Col. Fleury, "pre- 
ceded by twenty j)icked men," proceeded to remove the obstruc- 
tions on the south ; the van of the left, under command of Ma- 
jor Stewart, "preceded by a brave and experienced officer, with 
twenty men," was sent in for the same purpose, viz: "the removal 
of abatis," on the north side of the hill. Another remark occur- 
ring in General Wayne's report confirms this ; he says : " At twelve 
o'clock the assault was to begin on the right and left of the enemy's 
works, whilst Major Murfey amused them in front. But a deep 
morass, covering their whole front, and at this time overflowed by 
the tide, together with other obstructions, rendered the approaches 
more difficult than was at first apprehended, so that it was about 



S6 STONY J'OINT tLLtJSTllATED. 

twenty miimtes after twelve before the assault began ; previously 
to which, I placed myself at the head of Febriger's regiment, on 
the right column, and gave the troops most pointed orders not to 
fire on any account, but place their whole dependence on the bayo- 
net." !Neitlier the deep morass (which surrounds the whole bat- 
tle ground on the west and south), the formidable and double rows 
of abp,ti8, nor the strong works in front Siudijiank^ could damp the 
ardor of the troops, who, in the face of a most tremendous fire of 
musketry, and from cannon loaded with grape shot, forced their 
way, at the point of the bayonet, through every obstacle ; both 
columns meeting in the center of the enemy's works nearly at the 
same instant. 

From several well settled facts we are certain that the main 
attack was from the south. With this part of the army, Wayne 
and Fleury ascended the hill. (See map.) 

The "center" of the enemy's stronghold was undoubtedly in 
the low, flat surface, and immediately west of the spot where the 
lighthouse now stands, the entire garrison containing at least two 
acres of land. (See our cut of the battle.) This place, the light- 
house foundation, which all strangers naturally look upon as the 
center of the enemy's garrison, was, in our opinion, but the main 
redoubt for the storage of ammunition, weapons, etc., and occupy- 
ing the most commanding position, afforded the best view of the 
entire river, north, east and south. The cannon, which had been 
placed on eminences to the west of this supposed fort, best com- 
manded an effective range of the enemy's front, facing the " marsh," 
the "causeway" and the "ravine," across which Wayne had sta- 
tioned his reserves of three hundred men, under command of Gen- 
eral Muhlenburg. 

In another part of the same report, Wayne says, " the officers 
and privates of the artillery exerted themselves in turning the can- 



THE CAPTURE OF STONY POINT. 37 

non against Yerjplanckis Pointy and forced the enemy to cut cable 
of their shipping and run down the river." By this description, 
it is clear that the cannon must have been in position to sweep the 
western slope, and if they were to do execution eastward, they 
must be hauled to a high point to enable them to do effective 
work on the British ships which were anchored off Verplanck's. 
Besides, the General commanding, in giving a sketch of the ene- 
my's works, speaks of them as follows : " The sketch herewith 
transmitted will give you a general idea of the strength of their 
works on the west side, which, in my opinion, are formidable ; I 
think too much so, for a storm ; and to attempt to reduce it by 
regular approaches will require time, as there is no ground within 
less distance than half a mile hut what it commands.'''' 

The entire front and flanks of the enemy were posted with 
sentry. Batteries and earthworks were scattered around the en- 
tire circle. In his directions as to how to proceed. Gen. Washington 
especially requested that each commander should know in advance 
"precisely what batteries or particular parts of the line" they were 
"respectively to possess," that "confusion and the consequences of 
indecision " might " be avoided." 

An examination of the marsh, "sandy beach," and causeway, 
convinces one of this. The sentries had been taken, and the skir- 
mishers driven in. Anthony Wayne, at the head of the advance 
column, had successfully passed the first abatis, and was passing 
the second when he was wounded in the scalp by a nmsket ball, 
and falling to the ground, with considerable effort, in a partly erect 
posture, shouted : " March on ! carry me into the fort, for I will 
die at the head of my column." Captain Tishbourn and Mr. 
Archer, his aides-de-camp, supported him while he walked, bleed- 
ing and faint, into the works of the enemy. 

A general shout from the throats of the dying, the lips of the 



38 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

victors and the entreaties of the vanquished, followed the boom- 
ing of cannon and the clattering of musketry. 

Honorable mention was made by the General in command of 
the great humanity of the brave soldiers who scorned to take the 
lives of a vanquished foe calhng for mercy, and states that this 
act reflected the highest honor on them, and accounted for the few 
of the enemy killed on the occasion. 

So high was the excitement that Lieutenant Colonel Fleury 
struck the British flag with his own hand. 

A remarkable fact is recorded, that while the British did all 
the firing of which they were capable and the Americans did none, 
the former lost in killed sixty-three men, and the latter but fifteen. 
The wounded, however, in the American army amounted to eighty- 
three. The number of the men holding the garrison, and who 
fell into the hands of the Americans, was about six hundred; 
while it was the opinion of the Engineer and Washington, and 
all the officers, who held a subsequent consultation as to the pro- 
priety of sustaining the fort, that it would require, at least, fifteen 
hundred men to make it completely defensible. This is also an ad- 
ditional evidence that the garrison contained at least several acres. 
Some allusion is made in the correspondence between Wash- 
ing and Wayne as to precautions in securing the Passes leading to 
Stony Point. Perhaps there is no word that will as well convey 
a correct idea of the roughness of the entire country surrounding 
the famous battle ground. So much of the land as was not heav- 
ily timbered was in great part covered, especially on the low 
grounds, with heavy, tangled undergrowth — alder, thorn and 
brier. Before its occupancy by troops. Stony Point was seldom 
visited except by hunters and the wood chopper. King's Ferry 
was built as a miUtary necessity, the wharf of the commerce of 
the river being located in the region of the present Penny Bridge. 



THE CAPTURE OF STONY POINT. 



39 



i^4'5-#. 




THE WASHINGTON TREE. 



40 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

A dozen houses would constitute the entire community. On the 
old Erskine map, six houses or buildings are shown — DeNoyelle's, 
Benson's, W. Smith's (The Treason House,) a house at the fork 
of the road near the " Washington Tree," of which we have an en- 
graving, Flora Krom, on the east slope of Kalebergh Mountain, a 
blacksmith shop at the corner where R. B. Marks' store is located 
and King's Ferry. These are land marks; others, no doubt, 
existed. 

Our chapter on the " Traditions of the Revolution " will de- 
scribe some of them. 

We add the following interesting quotations from the Maga- 
zine of the metropolitan publishing house. Harper Bros., dated 
the year of the centennial of the capture : " The struggle of the Rev- 
olution in reality, centered here. No strategic position any where 
in the thirteen colonies was more eagerly coveted on the one side 
or more sleeplessly watched on the other, than these same High- 
lands. They formed, as it were, the covered way between the 
strong New England section and the rest of the States to the south- 
ward, by which they all kept their chain of communication, sym- 
pathy and mutual assistance unbroken. It was to capture and oc- 
cupy this position that Burgoyne marched down with his formida- 
ble expedition from Canada, through the Horicon (silvery water), 
as named by Fenimore Cooper, and now known as Lake George; 
and it was for the same purpose that that infamous plot of treach- 
ery and desertion was concocted between Arnold and Sir Henry 
Clinton, in 1780. Throughout the long struggle the region was 
never for a moment bared of defences. Here fortifications had 
been commenced as early as 1775 ; here troops marched and coun- 
termarched in every campaign ; and here on the Hudson lay the 
last cantonment of the army of the Revolution when the soldiers 
were dismissed to their homes at the close of the war." 



THE CAPTURE OF STONY POINT. 



41 




KIVER VIEW. 



Referring to the scene of the capture the same writer contin- 
ues : " Stony Point, a bold, rocky i3eninsular, 200 feet high at its 
summit, juts out far into the river; and when the water does not 
surround its base, a marsh seems to isolate it from the main. Ver- 
planck's, nearly opposite, sKghtly above, having not half this height. 



42 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

nevertheless has a commanding range. Irving calls these prom- 
ontories "the lower gates of the Highlands, or miniature Pillars 
of Hercules, of which Stony Point is the Gibraltar." 




CHAPTER YL 

THE FORGOTTEN MONUMENTS OF OUR HEROES. 

^OULD the everlasting hills and the granite peaks of our his- 
Im^ toric river break the silence of a century, they would speak 
of the deeds of the brave patriots; but their silence will never 
break ; they will wait for other tongues : 

" Mark — on the Highlands' frieze, the noted train, 

The victors' marshalled triumph, throng 
In bold procession to Liberty's fane. 

With many a federal symbol move along. 
Lone are thy pillars now ; each gale 

Sighs over them as a spirit's voice which moaned 
That loneliness, and told the jilaintive tale 

Of the bright Campus by Continentals owned. 
Weep, cherished ruins! parched on Highland Hill, 

Thy peers in other lands have shared 
The same neglect, and standing still, 

That wasting elements have yet in mercy spared. 
Each commemorative mark by valor made, 

Will treasures of patriotic love be laid. 
Yes ; in those fragments — those by time defaced, 

And rude, insensate conquerers — yet remains 
All that may charm the enlightened eye of taste 



I 



THE FOKGOTTEN MONUMENTS OF OUK HEROES. 43 

On shores where still inspiring freedom reigns. 
As vital fragrance breathes from every part 

Of the crushed myrtle, or the bruised rose — 
E'en thus the essential of art, 

There in each wreck imperishably glows. 
The soul of Washington lives in every line, 
Pervading brightly still the spirit of his time." 

Temples of religions antiquated, towers of human ambition, 
have mouldered to dust ; images of savage nations have fallen to 
the earth ; but why should those fortresses of our Revolutionary 
achievement be allowed to level to the earth and be overgrown by 
forests, or fall into the oblivion of the ordinary furrows of the field, 
and be looked for in vain and with sadness by the sons of our pat- 
riot dead ? On many — yes, sadly many — a spot where fell the 
martyrs of our freedom, some to rise no more, others to bear their 
honorable scars to future graves, not a common stone of the great 
multitude on the ground, is reared. The poet has pictured never 
so truly and vividly of these as in the following words : 

" The thousands that, uncheered by praise. 

Have made one offering of their days 

For Truth, for Heaven, for Freedom's sake — 

Resigned, the bitter cup to take ; 

And silently, in fearless faith, 

Bowing their noble souls to death, 

Where sleep they, Earth? By no proud stone 

Their narrow couch of rest is known. 

The still sad glory of their name, 

Hallows no mountain unto Fame ; 

No ; not a tree the record bears. 

Of their deep thoughts and lonely prayers." 



44 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED, 

True; of the spot wliere> Imndred brave men fell before an 
equal number of the foe, some to rise no more, not even a stone, 
of the many available on that rocky promontory, has chiseled upon 
its face the important event. With what patriot pride and sol- 
emn emotion would our grateful people, whose pilgrimages to these 
sacred grounds are annually increasing, look upon such a worthy 
shrine of American devotion ! 

Standing, a few days ago, on the same old ground once press- 
ed by our intrepid, assaulting patriots, we were overcome by the 
emotion of the hour. The following poem rose in beautiful si- 
lence, but awful meaning : 

" O, that the many rustling leaves. 
Which round our homes the summer weaves. 
Or that the stream, in whose glad voice 
Our own familiar paths rejoice, 
Might whisper through the starry sky 
To tell where these blest slumberers lie ; 
But the old woods and sounding waves 
Are silent of those hidden graves." 
No spot on the wide field, over which the Kevolutionary 
fathers fought, is of greater historic interest, or more deserving of 
national fame or monumental marking, than these consecrated 
Stony Point battle grounds; and yet we question, prompted by 
patriotism, that no spot of land of similar fame, has fewer visitors 
to mourn at its shrine or plant an ivy against the rugged rocks. 
While many do come, many more would come if the Government 
grounds were made more intelligible and inviting. Then the 
thousands from our cities, and the multitudes that pass by on the 
steamers, and tens of thousands that speed by on the Expresses of 
the great West Shore Kailroad, would feel induced to halt for a 
few hours and ramble among the scenes made precious by the 



THE FORGOTTEN MONUMENTS OF OUR HEROES. 45 

daring and sacrifice of our patriot dead. Children would come 
with songs 

"To bless the band, 

Amidst whose mossy graves we stand." 
Jn the absence of man's monument to the departed, the gray 
bald rocks like sentinels are still there. 

" Thej saw the princely crest, 
They saw the kingly spear, 
The banner and the mail-clad breast 

Borne down and trampled here. 
They saw ; and glorying there they stand 
Eternal records to the land. 
Long-even a whole century-the bold rocks have kept intact 
and bared the foundations for the projected "Wayne Monument " 
which our tender and grateful Republic are to rear upon It was 
a matter of pride and joy that our lamented Congressman, Beach 
had so nearly secured the national appropriation of $25 000 for 
Its erection. We hope that his worthy successor, Hon. Henry Ba 
eon, will, by all lawful means, fulfill the wishes of our people 
May we not confidently indulge in the hope that with the usher 
mg m of the Monumental Age this most worthy, yet hitherto un- 
honored spot, may yet be immortalized by enduring and pohshed 
granite, that the traveler passing by may remember that on yon- 
der promontory our fathers fought for our common liberty? 




j^Q STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 




CHAPTER VII. 

THE TREASON OF ARNOLD. 
BY C. B. STORY, 

^OU will not fail me now! On to the fortress, my brave 
soldiers, yon and you, on again! Yon know me well. 
sSwere the words that rang ont amidst the din of battle, Octo- 
ber 7, 1777. A black horse and rider are seen pushing forward 
through the smoke and shot from a thousand guns, and Benedict 
Arnold is carried bleeding and wounded from the field, shouting, 
" The Battle is ours ! Saratoga is won !" 

If the shadowy curtains of life had then closed over that 
bleeding form and some good angel borne away that heroic spirit, 
the darkest chapter in the annals of our American Revolution 
would never have been written. But the mystery of human 
destiny is great, and often beyond the control of man. 

In the following pages the writer will endeavor to give a 
plain and trnstworthy account of that painful event, so intimately 
associated with the scenes around us. 

Benedict Arnold was born at Norwich, Conn., on the third 
day of January, 1740. His early life, like that of most boys, was 
uneventful until his enlistment in the army, when 16 years of 
age. In March, 1775, he was chosen the head of a body of troops. 
He went to Cambridge, and while there proposed to go and 
capture Ticonderoga and Crown Point. On the way he overtook 
Ethan Allen ; and together they took the above named forts, also 
St. John's. In the same Autumn he was put in command of 1200 
men with instructions to ascend the Kennebec and Chandice rivers, 
and thence to attack Quebec. He marched to the plains of Abraham, 



THE TREASON OF ARNOLD. 4^^ 

but was not strong enough to be successful, even with Montgomery's 
help. '^ 

In July, 1777, he joined the army under Schuyler, and en- 
gaged in the battle of Saratoga, there showing that extraordinary 
darmg recorded at the beginning of this article. After this he 
resigned his command under General Gates, came to Albany and 
whde there, on account of his great bravery, was commissioned a 
Major General, dated back. 

His wounds being sufficiently healed, he proceeded to Valley 
Forge, in May of the following Spring, and again joined the 
army. Washington gave him the command of Philadelphia, 
which city had lately been evacuated by the British. 

It was during this command, that his manner of living 
became extravagant, and his business affairs complicated. For a 
short time he lived a wild and dissipated life, and, under appre- 
hension of charges, resigned his command, and a Court Martial 
soon followed, Washington reprimanding him for his conduct. He 
felt the injury of this keenly, and probably at this time the infa- 
mous plot of treason began to take root in his mind. 

During his command in the city, he had met with a beautiful 
and accomphshed Tory lady, to whom he joined himself in marriage 
His wife being an intimate friend of John Andre, Brigadier General 
of the British army, under Sir Henry Clinton, the way now 
seemed opened whereby his scheme of treachery could be carried 
out. For some time a correspondence was carried on between 
Arnold and Clinton through the means of Andre, each of them as- 
suming a fictitious name, and thus concealing their identity. 

The treason was not long in gaining serious proportions 
Arnold applied to Washington for the command of West Point, 
on the Hudson, which was then the strongest post in the 
American lines, it being a bond between the Eastern and Middle 



48 



STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 



Colonies and containing the snpply of ammunition for the whole 
army. 

Arnold took up his headquarters at the house of Beverly 
Robinson, now known as the " Robinson House, " about two and 
one half miles south from West Point, on the east side of the 
river. Everything was now in readiness for the final transactions and 
for consummation of the plot. A personal interview only seemed 
necessary for its completion. This was arranged to take place 
between Andre and Arnold, Andre having been selected for the 
purpose by Sir Henry Clinton. 

The question now presented itself, where shall the meeting 
take place? Several places seem to have been thought of, but 
that of Dobb's Ferry was given precedence, that being neutral 
ground. The meeting was to take place on the night of September 
11th. Arnold accordingly left the "Robinson House," and pro- 




RtSmtNOE OF J -J1i-S7»UTH, \-770. 

ceeding down the river, crossed at King's Ferry (which at that 
time afforded passage between Verplanck's and Stony Point,) and 
thence over the King's Highway toward Haverstraw. The night 
of the 10th he spent at the house of J. H. Smith, now known 
as the " Treason House," occupied by E. B. Weiant, and owned 
by B. J. Allison. The next day he pushed on to the place appoint- 
ed for the meeting. 



THE TREASON OP AKNOLD. ig 

Tl>e British man-of-war "Vulture" had come up the river 
i:,t near this place. The meeting, howevl, did not 
take place as was expected, and Arnold returned to his head- 
quarters at the Robinson House. 

He again made arrangements to meet on the night of the 
20th, pronnsmg to^nd a mes.,enger on board the VuLre, who 




STAIRWAY IN THE TREASON HOUSE 

wouH conduct Andre, under a flag of truce, to a place of safety 



In the meantime the Vulture had received orders to proceed 
up as far as Teller's Point, nearl, opposite to Have^traw. ^^2 



50 STONY POINT ILUJSTRATED. 

came down again, went to the Smith House, and engaged J. H. 
Smith to meet Andre, and bring him on shore. Smith did as 
directed, and in the still hours of night landed him in a lonely 
spot at the base of the mountains, just below Haverstraw, near 
what is known as Long Clove. Arnold was there to meet him, 
and silently they crept away into the bushes. Hour after hour 
passed away until Smith and his boatmen, weary of waiting, told 
them they must leave, as it was nearing daybreak. Their plans 
were not yet completed, so the boatmen were ordered to return, 
and Arnold, with Andre, went up to the Smith House, there to 
complete their secret work. While engaged in their business, 
sitting at a table in an upper room, they were suddenly startled by 
the booming of a cannon. Andre ran to the window, which 
commands a full view of the river in the direction where the Yulture 
had lain. After the firing Andre returned to the table, and they 
renewed their work. The Vulture dropped down the river. All 
this, while Andre had doubtless entertained the hope of making 
his way back to the boat from which the Smith crew had brought 
him. Meantime, Smith saw the situation, and refused to con- 
duct Andre back to the sloop; whereupon, the unfortunate 
spy resolved upon a return to the British lines by land. Arnold 
had taken his leave of him, and having furnished him with a 
proper pass, supposed, of course, he would have no trouble to 
return. Just before evening, on the 22d, Andre, accompanied 
by Smith, who had loaned him a suit of his citizens' clothes, started 
up for King's Ferry, where he crossed. They rode until nine 
o'clock in the evening, and put up at the house of one Andrew 
Miller. Early the next morning he was on his way to I^ew York, 
and had arrived within a few miles of the British lines, when he 
was confronted by three men. The capture is best told in the 
words of the men themselves. Mr. Sparks quotes them as follows : 



THE TREASON Ot ARNOLt). 51 

" Myself" said Paulding, "Isaac Yan Wart, and David Williams, 
were lying by the side of the road, about half a mile above Tarry- 
town, and about fifteen miles above Kingsbridge, on Saturday 
morning, between nine and ten o'clock, the 23d of September. 
We had laid there about one hour and a half, as near as I can re- 
collect, and saw several persons we were acquainted with, whom 
we let pass. Presently, one of the young men who was with me, 
said, ' There comes a gentleman-like looking man, who appears to 
be well dressed, and has boots on, and whom you had better step 
out and stop, if you dont know him.' On that, I got up and pre- 
sented my firelock at the breast of the person, and told him to 
stand; and then I asked him which way he was going. 'Gentle- 
men,' said he, ' I hope you belong to our party.' I asked him what 
party. He said 'The Lower Party.' Upon that, I told him I did; 
then he said, 'I am a British oflicer out in this country on partic- 
ular business, and I hope you will not detain me a minute;' and 
to show that he was a British ofiicer, he pulled out his watch ; upon 
which I told him to dismount. He then said, ' My God ! I must 
do anything to get along !' and seemed to make a kind of laugh 
of it, and pulled out General Arnold's pass, which was to John 
Anderson, to pass all guards to White Plains and below. Upon 
this he dismounted. Said he : 'Gentlemen, you had best let me 
go, or you will get yourselves into trouble, for your stopping me 
will detain the General's business;' and said he was going to 
Dobb's Ferry to meet a person there and get intelligence for Gen- 
eral Arnold. Upon that I told him I hoped he would not be of- 
fended ; that we did not mean to take anything from him; and I 
told him there were many bad people on the road, and I did not 
know but perhaps he might be one." 

"We took him into the bushes," said WiUiams, "and ordered 
him to pull off his clothes, which he did ; but on searching him 



52 STONY POINT iLLtJSTRATED. 

narrowly we could not find any sort of writings. We told him to 
pull off his boots, which he seemed to be indifferent about ; but 
we got one boot off, and searched in that boot, and could find noth- 
ing; but we found there were some papers in the bottom of his 
stocking, next to his foot, on which we made him pull his stock- 
ing off, and found three papers wrapped up. Mr. Paulding look- 
ed at the contents, and said he was a spy. We then made him 
pull off his other boot, and there found three more papers at the 
bottom of his foot, within his stocking. Upon this we made him 
dress himself, and I asked him what he would give us to let him 
go. He said he would give us any sum of money. I asked him 
whether he would give us his horse, saddle, bridle, watch and one 
hundred guineas. He said 'yes,' and told us he would direct them 
to any place, even if it was that very spot, so that we could get 
them. I asked him whether he would not give us more. He said 
he would give us any quantity of dry goods or any sum of money, 
and bring it to any place we might pitch upon, so that we might 
get it. Mr. Paulding answered 'No; if you would give us ten 
thousand guineas, you should not stir one step.' I then asked the per- 
son, who called himself John Anderson, if he would not get away 
if it lay in his power. He answered, ' Yes ; I would.' I told him 
I did not intend he should. While taking him along we asked 
him a few questions, and we stopped under a shade. He begged 
us not to ask him questions, and said when lie came to any com- 
mander he would reveal all." 

The three men, with their captive, proceeded to the nearest 
military post, which was at North Castle. Colonel Jameson, the 
commander in charge, examined the papers of the prisoner, and at 
once pronounced him a spy. Not believing Arnold implicated in 
the treachery, although the papers were signed by his name, he 
immediately ordered him sent to Arnold's headquarters, which 



THE TREASON OF ARNOLD. 



53 



order, however, was countermanded by Major Tallniadge, and the 
prisoner taken to Lower Salem. Arnold was at breakfast when 
the news arrived that Andre had been taken prisoner. He ex- 
cused himself without emotion, called his wife aside, and in a few 
words told her of his danger. She fell at his feet in a swoon, but 
without hesitation, he quickly left the scene, hurried to the river 
where his boat was moored, and ordered his men to row him to 
the Vulture, promising them a good allowance of whiskey for 
their extra efforts. 

Washington had just returned from the east, and was inspect- 
ino- the works alon^ the river when the traitor made his flight. 
On crossing to West Point a little later in the day, Hamilton met 
him and told him all. Washington feared the worst, but with re- 
markable self-possession, gave orders that every possible precau- 
tion be taken to prevent an attack. 

Instruction was given that Andre should be sent to the Eob- 
inson House, and the next day, September 28tli, he was sent from 
there down to Tappan. Washington followed, and the next day 
ordered a hearing of Andre's case before several general officers. 
Their report was as follows : " That Major John Andre, Adjutant 
General of the British army, ought to. be considered as a spy from 
the enemy ; and that, agreeably to the laws and usage of nations, 
it is their opinion he ought to suffer death." The sentence was 
approved by Washington, and Andre sentenced to be hanged Oc- 
tober 2d, at 12 m., which sentence was executed at the appointed 

hour. 

Arnold accepted an office in the British army, and about 
$50,000, for his treason. He afterward went to England, and 
there lived out a miserable existence, '' Arnold, the Traitor " hav- 
ing become a name despised on both continents. 

The treason of Arnold w^as a most dastardly attempt to ruin 



54 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

the hopes of the American army, but, on the whole, really con- 
tributed to its fidelity and strength. 

The " Treason House " still stands on yonder " Treason Hill," 
and the record given in these pages shows its historical association. 



CHAPTER yill. 

OPERATIONS ON THE HUDSON. 

^ ^R. J. COE, writing to Gen. Washington under date of 

^"'" "Haverstraw, July 16, 1776," says: 

"• In consequence of Your Excellency's desire to receive timely 
information of every maneuvre which the enemy on Hudson's 
River may make, to distress the inhabitants at this extremely busy 
season, we can inform Your Excellency that this morning, be- 
tween the hours of ten and eleven, the whole fleet, consisting of 
two men-of-war and three tenders, made sail from Nyack, and at 
about twelve, came into Haverstraw Bay, forty miles up the river 
from New York, when, after the shipping came to anchor, the 
tenders continued parading the bay half an hour. They all came to 
anchor opposite the house of Captain Thiers, when four barges, 
fully manned, attempted to land with a view, as we conjecture, 
to take ofE some sheep and cattle which we had previously driven 
oif. Notwithstanding, they brought their tenders so nigh the 
shore as to cover the landing of the men in the barges, yet, having 
bat a few men, we savored a firm countenance to them, and with 
a few shot, being well leveled, they thought proper to retreat, 
without doing any damage with their cannon." 



OPERATIONS ON THE HUDSON. 55 

Gen. Hays, writing to Washington under date of "July 19, 
1776," said: 

" The enemy now He in Haverstraw Bay, and are using every 
effort to land and destroy the property of the inhabitants. The 
great extent of shore I have to guard obliges me to keep the great- 
est part of my regiment on duty, in order to prevent their depre- 
dations. I have received a reinforcement from Gen. Clinton, at 
Fort Montgomery, of about 80 men, and hope when he receives 
Your Excellency's letter he will send me further relief, as the en- 
emy seem to direct their operations against the west shore. We 
are in want of powder and ball. If I had two or three small can- 
non I should have been able to have destroyed one of the cutters 
that grounded near Stony Point, and laid there six hours." 

On the " 17th of July, 1776," in a letter by Washington to 
Congress, the following occurs : 

" They were sounding the water up towards the Highlands, 
by which, it is probable, they will attempt to pass with part of 
their fleet, if possible." 

Of the men raised for the defense of the shore. Col Hays 
writes in a letter to his Chief as follows : 

" My regiment consists of but 400 men, one-fourth of whom, 
with eighty men sent me by Gen. Clinton, I And necessary to keep 
on constant duty. This precinct has already raised two compa- 
nies for the Continental service. The vicinity of the mountains, 
being poor, is thinly inhabited, by people of small estates. This, 
together with the great extent of shore we have to guard, is ex- 
tremely burdensome to the people, and, I suppose, is the true rea- 
son that has induced Captain Parker (of the British) to fix his sta- 
tion in Haverstraw Bay." 

Gen. Greene writes Gen. Washington from King's Ferry, 
Nov. 5, 1776. In that letter he speaks of using boats to transport 



56 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

flour from Dobb's Ferry to Peekskill, and that there were sufficient 
troops along the shore to protect the passage of vessels up the 
river. The King's Ferry was a prominent point. Its water front 
was most advantageous on account of its abrupt and yet sandy 
shore. Gen. Sterling speaks of it under date of Nov. 10, 1776. 
He found landing on the coast (probably of Grassy Point) very 
difficult, " as at half tide the vessels are obliged to lay at the distance 
of live or six hundred yards from the shore, which makes tedious 
work with the few boats that are here ; besides, it is open to any 
insult the enemy is pleased to commit. About half a mile fur- 
ther north and on the north side of Stony Point, is a good land- 
ing place in deep water, ami easily secured by placing two can- 
non on the end of the point. It will require about half a mile of 
new road, a short causeway and a small bridge," From the fore- 
going description, we infer that King's Ferry was, at an earlier 
day, lower down the river. As it was before it could not have 
been protected by cannon ; this is one reason for its removal fur- 
ther north. Mention is made of its being desirable to move it 
one-half mile farther north. It may be that two landings were 
used, and according to present appearances this was so. 

The mihtary operations in this section undoubtedly gave 
great significance to the Ferry ; but it must also be borne in mind 
that all communication between the opposite sides of the Hudson 
had to be carried on by boats. The names of boats used at that 
early date give us some idea of their construction. They were 
barges, schooners, sloops, brigs, galleys, lighters, flat boats, pon- 
toons, traders, etc. 

In one of Gen. Heath's Orders of Nov. 17, 1776, he says : 
" Sir, You will repair with your detachment and boats to King's 
Ferry, where you will remain until further orders. You will order 
your boatmen to ferry over the Hudson river all such officers and 



OPEEATIOIS'S UN THE HUDSON. Oi 

soldiers belonging to the army of the United States of America, 
as may from time to time have orders or permission to pass the 
river, and also all horses, wagons and baggage belonging to the 
Army. . . You will also observe such directions as have been 
given in charge to the officer whom you relieve." 

Colonel Hays dates a letter from King's Ferry on the 25th 
day of November, 1776, The Colonel had a landing of his own, 
but it was on the Minnescecongo Creek at the foot of the lane on his 
farm, and in order to get to the Hudson by row boat must follow 
the winding stream to its outlet at the end of the " farther neck," 
as Grassy Point was then called. Undoubterlly many years prior 
to the Revolution a landing at the mouth of the Minnescecongo 
was used for shipping purposes. It was, until the erection of the 
N. J. & N, Y, Railway and the West Shore Railway, the only way 
of travel except when the river was frozen up, at which time the 
very infrequent journeys to ]^ew York City were by private con- 
veyance and public stage. But " Hay's landing " was also on the 
river lower down in Haverstraw. As Gen. Lee writes to Gen. 
Heath, Dec. 4, 1776 : 

" Sir, The troops here are so distressed for rum this rainy 
weather that I must request you'll immediately forward ten hogs- 
heads of rum down to Colonel Hay's landing in Haverstraw." 

An interesting social event took place. A vessel, under flag 
of truce, came up in the interest of a Rev. Mr. Inglis and one 
Mr. Moore in search of their respective families, who had been 
left in the vicinity of Peekskill, but Gen. Heath, shrewd and 
cautious, stopped the vessel just opposite our place. Row boats 
were kept moving round the schooner all night ; and not until an 
order reached the General from the Commander-in-Chief, who was 
then at the convention in Trenton, would the distinguished rever- 
end and his friend be allowed to pass. 



58 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

The difficulties with which the brave Gen. Hawkes Hays, 
who was defending tliese shores and his native lioniestead, were 
surrounded, are set forth in tlie following quotation : " Yesterday 
afternoon I received your order to send down to Tappaii 30 bar- 
rels of Hour, and to Paranius 80 barrels of Hour and thirty barrels 
of pork. I have myself, and two hands that I hired, been out all 
night, and cannot get any teams to convey the Hour to Paranius. 
All the wagons and horses are already in the service with General 
Lee. We found a few ox teams, but their owners will not let them 
go, and I have nobody here to take them away by foi'ce. I am at 
a loss what to do. I must beg your advice in this affair. As for 
pork, I have none. If you want beef, I can send you plenty of 
that article. This day Captain Hyatt set out to Paranius with a 
drove of cattle. — A. Hawkes Hay." 

This natural opening of country between the Palisade and 
the Highlands seems, by nature, to have been fitted for an im- 
portant arena of the great Revolution. 

All the important movements from the northern and from 
the southern sections seem to have moved like a mighty trail of 
battalions for the long eight years of the bloody struggle. Mt. 
" Thor," on the south, gazed often on the surging troops of the 
opposing forces, on what seemed sometimes to be neutral ground ; 
while the belching cannon of West Point, Port Montgomery, 
Fort Clinton. Fort Independence, Dunderburg, Verplanck and 
Stony Point drove fear, fire and death into the ascending fleets of 
the King. 

Great military stores and ammunition were at times housed 
and guarded between the passes of these gigantic arms of the 
mountains which surround us. 

Andre, the spy, saw our shore to covet it, l)ut passed over 
it for the last time on the errand to his execution at Tappan. 



OPERATIONS ON THE HUDSON. 59 

In an order dated at Newburg, April 18, 1783, the Comman- 
der-in-Chief uses tlie following beautiful language : 

'• While the General recollects the almost inllnite variety of 
scenes through which we have passed with a mixture of pleasure, 
astonishment and gratitude ; while he contemplates the prospect 
before us with rapture, he cannot help wishing that all the brave 
men (of whatever condition they be) who have shared in the toils 
and dangers of effecting this glorious revolution, of rescuing mil- 
lions from the hand of oppression, and of laying the foundation 
of a great empire, might be impressed with a proper idea of the 
dignified part they have been called to act (under the smiles of 
Providence) on the stage of human affairs. For happy, thrice 
happy, shall they be pronounced hereafter who have contributed 
anything, who have performed the meanest office in erecting this 
stupendous fabric of freedom and empire on the broad basis of 
independency ; who have assisted in protecting the rights of hu- 
man nature and establishing an asylum for the poor and ojDpressed 
of all nations and religions." 

These same shores which, in the first period of the Revolution, 
witnessed the going out of volunteers to prescribe a dubious war, 
were the first to hear the tramp of " veteran soldiers, covered with 
laurels, returning from the field to their peaceful abodes." 




60 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 




CHAPTEK IX. 

TRADITIONS OF THE REVOLUTION. 

?HE following chapter is traditional, and is published as a 
feature of the work for just what it is said to be. The 
statements contained in the chapter are reliable, as thej 
relate to what old people have said. Their sayings are interesting 
reading for the young, and awaken in such a taste for the study of 
history. 

There are persons still living here w^io heard their ancestors 
speak of the great sufferings of the soldiers, and that citizens had 
bound up their feet, which had become sore from excessive march- 
ing and exposure. 

Mr. Samuel Goetchius, over eighty years of age, recollects 
hearing an old lady describe the fear the jDeople were in during 
those dark days. 

He was acquainted, when a young man, with a Revolutionary 
soldier by the name of Frank Sayres, and says that he lived with 
his son, Abraham Sayres. He knew another man 1>y name of 
Capt. Wm. Conklin. His wife survived him, and lived for many 
years where Jas. Keesler now resides. She drew a pension during 
her widowhood. She often spoke of having been driven into the 
woods for the protection of herself and her live children. She 
lies buried opposite the Potter's iield on the Lowland Hill. 

The grandfather of Samuel Goetchius was about eighteen 
years old during the war, and drove team in the Revolution. This 



TRADITIONS OF THE REVOLUTION. 61 

same man relates that he was well acquainted with Aunt Polly 
James, who lived near " Bucklebur^;!!." She heard the firing of 
the fort, and visited the grounds afterwards. She related that the 
Americans, on capturing the place at night, turned the guns upon 
the enemy, whose ships were anchored off Verplancks. 

Tradition says that a few days before the final assault of the 
fort, detailed soldiers went about from house to house and des- 
troyed the dogs, so as to compel the utmost secrecy and quietness, 
in view of the expected surprise. 

The place known as '' Crickettown " had a resident family 
who was visited by a squad of soldiers and asked to deliver up 
their dog on the evening before the assault. 

G. B. Weiant, sixty-live years of age, distinctly recollects 
when young helping to pull down the old John Ch'om House, 
which stood immediately south of the Washington Tree. Though 
probably an inferior house, yet it was important enough to ])e 
marked on the map made by an engineer in the Revolution. 

Several previous histories have made allusion to the large 
walnut tree under which it is said Washington halted his troops 
during a march over the King's Highway, and that he had here 
made a payment to his men. That the tree as shown in our cut 
is the same tree that stood there then there is no reason to doubt. 
We have known trees in our youth that were very large and had 
very ancient records as monuments of land surveys. Pear trees 
have been known to attain the age of two hundred years. Many 
of tlie forest trees on our native hills would have marked two 
centuries if not cruelly cut down by the axe of the lumberman. 

The walnut tree we are writing of was formerly surrounded 
by a small grove of the same species. A mammoth one was cut 
down some years ago. Its logs were drawn to Esquire Beebe's 
saw mill, which was located near John A. Bulson's store, and con- 



m 



STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 




TRADITIONS OF THTI RKVOLTTTION. <l3 

• 

verted into hiinber for the maiuifacture of gim stocks, canes and 
altar rails. The chancel rail now used in St. George's M. E. 
Church is said to have been worked ont of the ahove-nanned lum- 
ber. 

Major Adam Lilburn, a man of large estate and unusual pub- 
lic spirit, has recently expended a considerable amount of labor 
on the grounds surrounding the Washington Tree. The old mea- 
dow has undergone thorough renovation, the soil cleared of stone, 
uneven places leveled, all trees, except the '' sacred" one, removed. 
A strong wall encloses the lot along the highway. The farm im- 
mediately in front of the Treason House was once the possession 
of Colonel Hawkes Hay, an officer of great distinction in the 
military operations along the shores of the Hudson. 

The veritable " lane " running easterly to the landing on the 
bank of the Minnescecongo Creek is still kept intact. We have 
often driven over the very drive. A stone wall closes the entrance 



now. 



The Treason House, as originally built, was a square stone 
building, rather well built. The father of the Smiths was Wm. 
Smith, a judge of the courts. They were a family of somewhat 
aristocratic notions, and were not particularly popular as neigh- 
bors. Feuds were avoided, luit during the dark days of the Kev- 
olution they were not in active sympathy with the cause of Amer- 
ican Independence. The residence of Joseph Hette Smith, on 
account of the meeting there of Arnold and Andre, has gone into 
history under the title of the " Treason House." It is owned by 
B. J. Allison, and is occupied as a summer boarding house by the 
painter and grainer, E. B. Weiant. 

Flora Falls, whose clear waters pour over the red bank oppo- 
site the homestead of Mr. B. J. Allison, were originally named 
Florus Falls, from the incident of their source on the farm of 



64 



STONY POINT ILLTJSTRATED. 




Floras Crown. The village of Stony Point was known as Flora 
Falls. It long went by the name of Knight's Corner, on account 
of the store kept here formerly by Wm. Knight. 

Formerly onr town was embraced in the Land Patent ob- 
tained by grant from Phillip Carterett, Esq., who was in 1664 one 



TRADITIONS OF THE REVOLUTION. 65 

of the owners of " N'ew Cesarea," as New Jersey was then called. 
The title for this portion of the grant was secured by Beltazar De 
Hart. 

Some curious names then existed, of which the following are 
samples : Caquuaney, Newasiuk, Menisakcungu, Averstraw, Yan- 
dakah, Aquamek and Haverstroo. 

Fifty years ago there stood a pretentious house on the bluff 
near the low point of land in the neighborhood of the Diamond 
Brick Yards, at which point the Minnescecongo Creek runs very 
close to the Hudson, as though it once sought an outlet at that 
point. This mansion, which had few superiors on the Hudson, 
was known as " Rosa Villa," on account of the profusion of flow- 
ers growing about the house. The next house of note was that 
built by Dr. Proudfoot at Grassy Point landing in 1830, although 
an earlier one had been erected by the Dennings. All these houses 
were well built for their day. The one now occupied by Thomas 
Dinan is a fair specimen, having been then erected. It is engraved 
for this volume. 

The colored man, Pompey, whom the traditions honor with 
the great feat of having led the vanguard of Wayne's men to the 
enemy's picket, must have widened out considerably on that occa- 
sion to have been able to serve as a personal guide to three attack- 
ing columns at one time. The wonderful story of the achieve- 
ment of the great Pompey has never grown less, but with each 
repetition it seems that new lustre has been added. Very clever 
traditions say he was put in command of a company of infantry, 
and was splendidly uniformed, by way of special distinction. It 
is said that while Pompey was chatting with the British sentinel, 
the latter was suddenly seized by the men whom the guide had 
brought with him. This may or may not be the order of things ; 
but would it not be more in keeping with the circumstances to say 



66 STONY POTXT ILLURTRATF.T). 

that Pompey's chief services on the occasion were in the fact of 
his having, by special agreement, procured the countersign for the 
Americans on the eveninoj of the attack. This was one of the 
chief purposes of the reconnoitre in the early part of the night — 
and for which purpose other guides had been secured — while the 
troops were halting at Spriugsteels, from which place Wayne wrote 
his brother-in-law just "before the columns moved forward." Up 
to this hour, 11 o'clock p.m., 15th July, few, if any, of the hundreds 
of privates of Wayne's army had been apprised of the work before 
them. Every citizen in the vicinity of Stony Point had been se- 
cured, either as a guide to lead the '"• twenty picked men," or put 
under guard to prevent their desertion to the enemy. We ven- 
ture the opinion that Pompey did little effective service beyond 
giving the password for that night, and that on the discharge of 
the first gun, and that, too, on the outside of the firsi row of 
ahatis^ Pompey retired with accelerated speed. 

According to an English plan of the garrison, there were seven 
picket stations, perched on as many hills, on the outside of the 
first row of abatis. It is natural to suppose that if the works were 
so "'formidable,'"' that a perfect line of pickets extended all the 
way round the grounds lying east of the morass which surrounds 
the entire promontory, from the King's Road, which crosses the 
" Mud Bridge" near the ascent of hill, as one would go up toward 
Dr. N. Garrison's. The entire grounds of the promontory, as 
clearly described by our accompanying map, are fully a half mile 
in length, and according to all traditions it was at this '' Mud 
Bridge" that some portion of Wayne's men crossed. When the 
tide is at flood, especially at very high tide, the marsh is entirely 
overflowed, making the promontory literally an island, though the 
marsh is fast becoming a peaty meadow. 



TTJADTTIONS OF THE RKVOLITTTOX. 67 

Mr. John Ten Eyck, who lives on the adjoining high grounds, 
says he has many times rowed a boat aronnd the point. 

If Pompey was the slave of Mr. Lamb, whose residence at 
that time stood on the high ground which formerly extended out 
as far as the locality of the present store of D. Tompkins & Sons, 
it would be natural to suppose that, in making his market visits to 
the British garrison, he would take the causeway leading directly 
from his ''massa's" house to the foot of the hill, where the first 
abatis cornered. The first line of abatis, according to the map, 
was about in the neighborhood of the residence of Miles Duffney, 
or a little to the east of this house. The troops themselves needed 
this causeway to get to their "Day Picket" this side the morass. 
(See map). If the right column, before which Wayne says he had 
placed himself, "• did not cross over this causeway, they were as 
likely to have come along and descended " the eastern slope of the 
high ground, north of the " Green House," now occupied by 
Charles Casseles, and to have waded the narrow part of the marsh 
on the west side of the present West Shore Railroad, as to have 
forded the Bay, as indicated by the dotted lines on the King's map. 
Tradition says they passed immediately north of, and close by, 
Duffney's house. For Wayne to have passed the first, and to have 
been wounded while passing the second abatis, we cannot see that 
any other route was feasible. The enemy may have made a mis- 
take as to the exact spot where the Americans ascended, as the 
column was spread, immediately after its entrance, through the 
opening made by the twenty picked men who preceded them. 
Such was the general excitement all along the line, from the ex- 
treme north side of the hill, where Major Stewart was at work, to 
the front, (that is the west^ where Major Murfey was "-amusing 
them," I'ound the south side or " right flank," where Col. Fleury 
was advancing through the abatis, that it might be fair to assume 



68 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

that the rush of men, who forced their way, at the point of the 
bayonet, through every obstacle, both cohimns meeting in the cen- 
ter of the enemy's works nearly at the same instant, left it a mat- 
ter of much uncertainty as to the precise spot where the right and 
left columns met in the "center of the enemy's works." The 
map, showing the abatis and position of the troops, was, no doubt, 
drawn at the leisure of the British Engineer before the assault, 
and was tolerably correct, though found to be otherwise by a care- 
ful survey of the point, by Prof. L. Wilson, who took advantage 
of the ice on the river in getting his bearings. According to the 
British outlines of Wayne's assault, the Americans simply sur- 
rounded the hill, but Wayne's account of it makes him pass 
through the two voids of abatis^ and that the men gained the works 
" in the face of a most tremendous lire of musketry," and " can- 
non loaded with grape shot." 

Tradition says the dead were buried about in the locality in 
which they fell. The burial plot pointed out is near the corner of 
the outer abatis, on the south side of the hill. It is a remarkable 
fact, too, that the cannon were mainly located and pointed in this 
direction. Here was the "8-inch Howitzer," the "24" and "18- 
pounder ship guns," one "iron 12-pounder," also the short "brass 
12-pounder," which covered the low^er corner of the first abatis, 
and according to all this array of cannon, the center of the 
British works must have been considerably west of the present 
site of the lighthouse, which would comport very well with 
Wayne's description of the surprise. Besides all this, the cajDture 
occurred at midnight — too dark for close observation as to the 
directions the Americans came and spread. 

It is barely possible, too, that the King's geographer did not 
like to give too minute a description so early as March 1st, 1781. 
Things were a little unsettled yet at that time. 



TRADITIONS OF THE REVOLUTION. 69 

Tradition speaks of iron and wooden pins being found in the 
earth at the causeway in and about the locahty we have been des- 
cribing, and that a certain teamster, many years ago, got his team 
entangled and seriously injured by getting them in contact with 
these old abatis. 

The balls forming an initial letter in this volume were found 
by Mr. Watson Tompkins in the vicinity where the above directed 
cannon could easily have lodged them. The missiles had been 
deeply imbedded in the clay. It is the only occasion we call up 
when guns on the redoubts above indicated did any execution in 
the direction named, Mr. B. J. Allison has balls that were 
found on the high ground back of his house. This spot is in the 
direction the cannon pointed. Tradition says that the next day the 
gromid was strewed with the dead. About one hundred lives were 
lost in the aggregate. Undoubtedly they all sleep on the promon- 
tory somewhere. It is but a few years ago that Jacob Rose, father 
of Isaac Rose, lived to relate the scene of the slain as he witnessed 
them. He was at that time about twelve years of age, and accom- 
panied his father to the battle ground on the day following tlie 
assault, and carried away a musket, hiding it under a log for sub- 
sequent use in the defense of his country. Mr. Jas. Knapp, of 
Western New York, remembers hearing his grandmother say that 
she visited the camp to minister to the wounded the day following 
the surrender. She spoke of the line personal appearance of many 
of the slain British. The British map speaks of sixty loyal AmeiS 
leans having been stationed at No. 3. That breastwork lies 
nearest the point where the victorious Americans met in the " en- 
emy's works." It is altogether likely that many of these " loyal" 
ones were among the unfortunate captives, and that the min- 
istrations alluded to were to relatives of the people now living 
here. Before the Revolution, the Colonists who were unmindful 



70 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

of King James' orders, and were not willing to be taxed without 
having some voice in the matter, were called " Rebels." Those 
same persons afterwards became the true Americans, and the "■ loy- 
al " ones became the " Tories " or " Rebels." It was according to 
the teachings of the early ministers, Whiteiield, Wesley and other 
pioneers, that prayers should be offered for the King. Not to be 
loyal was to be a rebel against the King. So matters stood. It was 
brother against brother. It is even at this late day unkind and 
unprinciiDled to make allusion to families that were " Tories," as 
though it had been an unmanly principle to be loyal, and yet, such 
was the sudden crystalization of society into true Americanism, 
that before the departure of the lirst generation after the Revolu- 
tion the odium of having been a Loyalist no longer attached to 
citizenship, on account of the mere incident of birthright and edu- 
cation, which to this day account for nearly all political and denom- 
inational differences. It requires superior intelligence and moral 
principle to elevate one's self above these mere incidents of life, 
and every person of good principle will cheerfully forgive all 
unpatriotic conduct of our forefathers relating to the Revolution. 

Around the immortal rocky island of Stony Point Redoubt, 
more than a century ago, sailed the fleets of our patriot fathers as 
they bore up under the shadows of'' Dunderberg" and hid among 
the peaks of the Highland range. These picturesque and classic 
views were the peculiar charm of all the American soldiery of the 
past. Among the modern warriors none expressed more admira. 
tion of our (Irand Military Garrison than (jrenerals Kilpatrick and 
U. S. Grant. The former was more than typified by Mad An- 
thony Wayne, the latter by the immortal Washington. How ten- 
der the nation's regard that these cherished warriors should sleep 
on the banks of the Revolutionary Hudson ! 

Montaigne's verses on retirement are appropriate : 



TRADITIONS OF THE REVOLUTION. Yl 

" May Tiber's walls, the Argean Seat, 
Afford my age a calm retreat ! 
There worn witli journeyings, wars and seas. 
May I enjoy unenvied ease." 

General Judson Kilpatriek was a native of Deckertown, 
N. J., and was for some time neighbor to the writer. A hand- 
some farm on which the General lived before the Rebellion, and 
to which he retired at its close, is still known as the Kilpatriek 
Farm. The remains of the General were brought from Chili 
(where he died in the Government service) during the month of 
October, 1887, and buried in the Soldiers' C^emetery, West Point. 
The pall bearers, honored with the tender trust of bearing the 
body at the burial, were Sergeants Jas. O'Niel, T. Murphy, J. H. 
Hooker, J. Bayle, James McAuliffe and Corporal J. E. Leonard. 
T^rom the station to the grave the body was borne on a caisson 
drawni by six horses. Several Grand Army Posts and^a number 
of distinguished civic and military persons attended. Three vol- 
leys were lired over his grave by a battalion of soldiers. 

His bold and noble form will no more pass by with its accus- 
tomed military salute before these sacred grounds of Anthony 
Wayne, whom he loved to emulate. 

He was buried with the honors and ritual of the Grand Army 
of the Republic, andjafterwards the Catholic priest pronounced 
the burial service of the Roman Catholic Church, in honor, pro- 
bably, of the lamented General's wife, who was a Spanish Ca- 
tholic. The great chief himself, we regret to record, was not reli- 
gious, yet a braver man nor more loyal soldier never entered the 
field or drew sabre. 

A touching incident concerning the old '' charger " which the 
General rode while in the army we cheerfully and tenderly place 
among these military mementoes. The animal, a spotted saddle 



t2 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

horse, was brought back by the General, and was occasionally rode 
on special military parades. The animal had become blind, and 
was nearly deaf, but when the band of music struck up the old 
war tunes and national airs, the gallant steed would prance in the 
field of pasture and run as if to prepare for battle. All the old 
fire and speed would start up in his eye and limb. 

He was a great favorite with the military fraternity, who, 
among the numerous visitors, enjoyed the royal hospitalities of the 
great soldier. At the grand re-union of military organizations on 
the General's farm about the summer of 1880, it was planned for 
a sham battle. The General, mounted upon old " Spot," rode 
before the lines of the advancing columns, and with his aids as- 
cended an eminence. The illustrious charger stood in the proud 
attitude of his former glory. It was a sight to bring tears to the 
eyes of many an old veteran who had seen this ubiquitous horse 
and his rider on " The March to the Sea." 

JACOB ROSE. 

Jacob Rose was born March 4:th, 1770, the year the Treason 
House was built. His death is recorded in the Rockland County 
Messenger of the date of March 4th, 1859. His father's name was 
Jacob, his mother's name was Anne. They were Hollanders. Ex- 
tensive tracts of land were bought by them at $2.50 and $5.00 
per acre. He was a sailor. He was but ten years of age at the 
time of the capture of Stony Point, though the exact year of his 
birth is not known, which leaves the bare possibility of his having 
been more than ten years old when he visited the grounds the next 
day after the battle ; but having lived all his life near the Point, 
and having many times served as a guide to hundreds of visitors, 
and on many important public occasions related the incidents of 
the time and place, it is perfectly safe to say that the statements 
given by his son Isaac are authentic. His residence with his 



TRADITIONS OF THE KEVOLUTION. i 4 

father, Jacob, was near the locality where L. Termansen, the dec- 
orator's new cottage stands. The family of Mr. Rose distinctly 
heard the cannonading on the memorable night, as did also many 
of the neighbors. The father of Jacob Rose was, at that time, in 
tne American army, bnt not in the engagement here ; so that the 
current story that the son accompanied his father to the battle 
scene the next morning is not correct. He was accompanied by a 
mimber of citizens, for many of the men and women, hearing of 
the great American victory, ran over the next morning and on the 
succeeding day, to see the sight, the captured stores, examine the 
garrison, and witness the burial of the dead. There were many 
wounded men to be cared for. Friends ministered to these by 
furnishing delicacies to them. Water from the spring at the 
foot of the hill near the marsh, on the south side of the promon- 
tory, was the "balm" for the gun-shot wounds. The writer was 
for many days an assistant in the ambulance corps at Gettysburg, 
and poured many scores of canteens of pure water on the wounds 
of unfortunate soldiers. None but those who have witnessed sim- 
ilar scenes can imagine the picture of wounded and dying soldiers 
after a day's slaughter in battle. 

Child-like, the patriot boy picked up a gun, but on going fur 
ther on, saw another which he thought was finer ; so, dropping the 
first, he selected this second one, but on still further strolling, he 
saw a third one, which pleased him still better, and with which he 
retired to his mountain home, and for fear of detection, concealed 
the weapon in a hollow log in the woods near his home. 

At the close of the war he handled his valuable find with 
less fear of molestation, and when, in course of time, his father 
sold the weapon for $12, the boy's heart was broken. Many times 
$12 would doubtless not tempt Capt. Isaac Rose to give up the 
relic if its possession could be regained. 



Y4 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

The testimony of the old man was that the garrison of the 
British extended west from the lighthouse as far as the high 
point next to the West Shore Railroad. Here were encamped two 
companies of the King's Grenadiers. These were the picked sol- 
diers of uniformly large size, and when confronting the foe, pre- 
sented a most formidable body of infantry. They were dressed 
in red coats with silver bnttons. The buttons ^vere as large as 
the knobs used on the horns of cattle to prevent their goring. 

The aged man was invited at the time of the founding of the 
projected Wayne Monument to assist in the location of the spot 
which was to represent the center of the garrison. According to 
our map this foundation (traces of which are still visible) was on 
an eminence in about the center of the enemy's works, and close 
by, but inside the second row of abatis, the spot most likely, 
where the British " Standard " wliich Colonel Fleury struck with 
his hand was erected. How appropriate that the monument of 
Wayne, when erected, should be built on this very spot where the 
British Standard floated on that memorable July night. 

The father of our sketch and traditional young hero was, at 
the time of the storming of our Fort, in another portion of the 
Continental Army, but had at some earher period, most probably, 
come home on a furlough. It was at the time of this visit with 
his family, and probably having come home to assist in gathering 
the crops, concerning the loss of wliich Colonel Hays says there 
was great complaint, that the tragedy of his hanging was so nearly 
completed. Scouts from the British camp having found him, 
threatened his death unless he would divulge the whereabouts of 
a portion of the American Army that were then encamped in the 
vicinity of " Thiell's Mill." The noose of the rope had been fas- 
tened about his neck ; only the cries and entreaties of his family 
caused the red-coats to desist. 



TRADITIONS OF THE REVOLUTION. 75 

CATHARINE DAVIS. 

Catlieriiie Davis, aged 85, widow of Wm. B. Davis and aunt 
of Mrs. James W. Fowler, says that lier mother-in-law, Mary Da- 
vif , then living in Connecticut, often related to her incidents which 
she knew to be true concerning the war. She says the name of 
the colored man was Jack instead of Pompey, and that he was 
a slave in the family of Matthew Benson, a relative of Mr. R. 
B. Marks. The colored man farmed for Mr. Benson. 

One day " Jack " was invited to dine with the American 
Generals. He said to his mistress afterwards, "• If I could have 
had that dinner by myself I would have enjoyed it, but I did not 
like to dine before so many distinguished men." 

One time he rode up to the house of Mrs. Benson, and sitting 
braced up in the saddle of his fine horse, said, in a very pompous 
way, " Marsa Missa, I wish I war de only man now liben about 
here." Said Mrs. Benson, " Then what would you do. Jack f ' 
"■ Why, Missey, you see I go round on dis boss and sell the land." 
" But," interrupted the lady, " who would you sell it to if you 
were the only citizen r' Jack had not thought of that important 
part of the land scheme. 

Mrs. Maria Polhemus, 13 Prospect Place, N. Y, City, fur- 
nished items of interest. Her ancestors were among the first 
settlers, and related many incidents concerning the French and 
Indian War. The traditions of the Revolution which have come 
down through her mother's family are quite valuable. She says 
Jas. Lamb w^as her grandfather, and that the colored man was the 
slave of that family. He was sent each day ostensibly to sell veg- 
etables to the British garrison, but that the real purpose was to 
obtain information as to the most feasable points of attack, the 
route, etc. It was this negro who piloted Gen. Wayne up the 
path that led to the enemy's works. 



Y6 STONY POINT ILLrSTRATED. 

The women of the Revolution deserve honorable mention. 
The Fort next above us (Clinton) witnessed one of the most ex- 
traordinary scenes ever transacted on the Hudson. It was the case 
of Deborah Sampson, of Penn. On the enlistment of her husband 
in the army commanded by Brigadier-General Irvine, she left her 
home and joined her husband in camj) and on the field of war. 

At the assault on Fort Clinton in 1777 she seized up the port 
fire which her frightened husband had dropped, and fired the last 
cannon before the garrison was seized by the enemy. 

The graphic photo-engraving from the sketch of the master- 
artist, Kelly, which gave Captain Molly, as she is known in his- 
tory, the great and signal courage of taking the place of her hus- 
band, who fell at his post at Monmouth, has given a glory to her 
military life which will commemorate her deeds for all time. She 
handled the rammer, which was left in the cannon's mouth by 
her stricken husband, and cried with the voice of a true heroine, 
calling loudly for vengeance on the murderers of her husband. 

At subsequent promotions in the great gifts of the noble- 
hearted Commander-in-Chief, she was breveted and commissioned 
by way of recognition of lier unusual and great bravery. 

She was a regular pensioner on the roll of Revolutionary sol- 
diers, and, it is said, received half pay for life. She died near 
Highland Falls, Orange Co. 

Wm. E. Garrison, born at Fort Montgomery, April S, 1818, 
and a life-long resident of our town, is the authority for the fol- 
lowing bit of tradition. He was acquainted with a man by the 
name of Henry Beele, who helped in making the gallant assault 
on the Fort. He relates that he told him that the attack was 
made at midnight, and that seventy-two English were killed. His 
grandfather, Wm. House, now dead sixty years, said the same, 
and also that the American forces numbered 400 and the British 



TRADITIONS OF THE REVOLUTION. 



17 



600. He also stated the location of Sandy Beach as being one 
mile above Fort Montgomery, that being the point from which 
Wayne started at noon on the day preceding the attack. He has 
plowjd the ground along this Beach many times, and claims to 
have found a silver button, which probably had been lost there by 
tlie English. He was also acquainted with John James, of Fort 
Montgomery, grandfather to Mrs. Jacob Rose, and with Billy 
Parr, of Highland Falls, a farmer, and uncle to Richard Cronk. 




CHAPTER X. 

RELICS. 

NE of the most interesting relics found in the 
vicinity of the battle ground is an empty bomb- 
shell, whose engraving forms the initial de- 
sign at the head of this paragraph. It was 
found in the sand when the laborers were diffo-ina- 
the foundations for the store of the Tompkins' Cove Lime Co. It 
is still in a fine state of preservation. For forty years or more it 
has lain about the store to have its record rej)eated and its his- 
tory discussed. The weight of the missile is 42^ pounds, its dia- 
meter being 8 inches. The thickness of the shell is 1^ inches, and 
it has an opening the size of an inch auger. During all its his- 
tory in the store it has contained some article which rattled on 
moving the ball. Assisted by Mr. W. T. Searing, we fished out 



TS 



STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 



tlie article, and found it to be a pine stopper witli a hole running 
tlirougli it one-tliird of an inch in size. This was undoubtedly 
the fuse stopper of the bomb, which, with it, was fired from a 
vessel, or possibly the Point itself. A large cannon ball was also 
for many years in the possession of the family of Mr. Searing's 
father. One day, in the absence of Mr. Searing, the junior Sear- 
ing sold the ball to the junk man for old iron. Curiously, the 
missile was covered with sole leather, probably to make it fit the 
cannon more perfectly. Sufiice it to say, the junk man wasn't 
going to pay for old leather, nor was the young merchant, already 
showing pure business integrity, willing he should. The jack 
knife made a clean job of it to suit both parties. 



NOTHER relic is here presented. The 
wood from which it was made was taken 
from an immense willow which stands at 
the edge of the river near the old dock of 
King's Ferry. It stands on the very 
ground over which Colonel Stewart's men 
marched as they filed round the north side 
of the hill on the night of the assault. 
The nippers were carved by the ingenious 
D. Keesler, our town artist and painter 
and photographed and engraved by the Photo Engraving Co., 
'New York, who did all the engraving for this book from photo- 
graphs made by Geo. O. Bedford, Haverstraw, N. Y. 

Among the many visitors to these noted places was Wm. H. 
Seward, who cut a stick from the Washington Tree from which 
to make a cane. Bits of bark and twigs of the tree have gone to 
all portions of the country, and adorn the cabinets of many curi- 
osity hunters. 




RELICS. 



79 




Y tlie courtesy of Mr. Watson Tompkins, we 
have this cut which represents the photo- 
grapli of an axe found on tlie site of the 
old Magazine of the Garrison by Ros 
well McElroy while in the employ of Mr. 
Tompkins. The letters "C A" are 
stamped on its side, leaving no doubt that 
the tool was the property of the Continental Army. 

Relic hunters, before going to the battle ground, would do 
well to study our comprehensive maj) of the hill. It is one of 
the most interesting studies in connection with the Revolution. 
Though much of the ground on the north and west has since 
been under the cultivation of the plow, yet the rocky eminences 
are intact, and present the same contour as when the cannon 
boomed across their rugged brows. 




English 



THE mantle here shown is the 
veritable one around which the 
Smith family circle was often 
formed. Here, it is said, Aaron 
Burr read law when a young man. 
He was but nineteen years old 
at the commencement of the Rev- 
olution, and twentv-four when 
the scenes were enacted in the 
Treason House which gave it its 
great historic significance. The 
mantle is white marble and of 
design, having been imported. The scrawl made by a 



80 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

sharp pointed instrument on tlie slielf of tlie mantle, in the tradi- 
tion is said to be an attempt at writing tlie name " Burr." The 
letters " B " and " u " are quite distinct, but the following two have 
more the appearance of " 11," and if intended for " rr," are poor 
imitations of those letters. It is altogether possible the writing 
was done by Burr, but of the certainty no one can say. 

On the memorable spot of the old Fort of Stony Point the 
Government erected a Lighthouse in the year 1826. The sounds 
of its doleful fog bell often mingle with the music of the distant 
church bells. This light is one of the most approved, and serves 
as a guide to the hundreds of vessels that pass nightly round the 
jutting rock of the promontory on which it stands. 

It marks the spot where the British map says the " tempor- 
ary Magazine " was erected. 

The following relics have been found by the keepers of 

the Lighthouse, the f§,mily of Alax Rose, deceased, viz. : cannon 
ball, grape shot, bullets, chain, etc. They may be seen at the 
Museums of West Point and "Washington's Headquarters, ]^ew- 
burg. It was a simple oversight that a cabinet of the relics found 
on the ground was not collected. Three hundred persons an- 
nualy visit these grounds. For thirty-four years the present fam- 
ily have been in charge of this important Government trust. 

The name " Bucklebergh " is derived from the incident of 
coupling teams at the time when cannon were drawn over the 
mountain of the Highlands, which is locally known as " Buckle- 
bergh" mountain. 

Mr. A. D. Marks speaks of finding an ancient door lock in 
one of the closets of the Treason House. Its size was 6x15 
inches and 2 inches thick, of solid oak, containing an iron bolt 
and having an iron key about 8 inches long. It w^as, no doubt? 
one of the first locks used in the old Smith House before the 
Revolution. 



EELICS. 



'81 




HE dagger initial " T " is an interesting 
relic. Its authenticity cannot be questioned, as 
it bears on the guard the stamp of the Amer- 
ican Eagle. The arrow heads so finely engraved 
and added to the above letter speak of a race 
who consumed themselves by war. The dagger 
is 19 inches long, and including the handle, is 
25 inches. The blade is corrugated. Its hilt is 
brass. The relics are the property of W. 
Tompkins. 

The dagger was found by Mr. Lansing Hoyt under the floor 
of an old barn which stood neer the site where Mr. J. B. Hastings' 
store and residence now stand. Mr. Hoyt sold the weapon to 
Mr. Watson Tompkins, who kindly ordered it photographed for 
our use. 

Enos Jersey found the "Clay dog" shown in our engrav- 
ing, in the year 1881, while in the employ of G. G. Allison on 
the Conger Property, Gl'assy Point. There were two others 
found ; the one was 4 ft. 2 inches long by 2| inches wide and 3 J 
inches thick ; the other was in the shape of a butcher's chopper. 
While they are of the exact material of the clay, they are at the 
same time of the hardness of sandstone. 

Isaac Jersey, uncle to Enos Jersey, has in his possession a 
rifle which the great grandfather of the latter carried in the Rev- 
olution, and was also used by Enos' grandfather (Peter Jersey) 
in the War of 1812. 

Mr. Enos Jersey also has a relic Avhicli he values. It is a 
short deer horn which was taken from a deer shot by Peter Jer- 
sey one hundred and eight years ago on South Mountain. 




82 STOlsnr point iLLtrSTRATED. 

ONG years ago, while tlie teams of the Tompkins family 

were breaking up the ground on the areable jiarts and 

north side of the hill on Stony Point, the plow turned 

up old terraced grounds, which revealed traces ot an 

old encampment. The balls composing our 

initial letter are among the collection of W. 

Tompkins' cabinet. 

The Revolutiouary house, whose engraving we have secured 
from a pencil sketch drawn by Mr. Alhson, the deceased son-in- 
law of W. Tompkins, was known as the Tobias Waldron R,esidenc3. 
This, with the King's Ferry House and the one whose framing 
timbers have entered into the house and barn of Wm. IT. Rose, 
were known as in existence in the early days of the Revolution. 

Among the cannon balls of our " L " initial is one, a 
nine pounder, which was also foimd by Mr. Hoyt. He was 
plowing the garden iiear his house, and turned up the ball from a 
depth of 10 inches. The ball was undoubtedly lodged there by 
being discharged from the English cannon on Stony Point. The 
cannon employed there were principally ranged in the direction of 
Mr. Hoyt's place, and could easily have sent a ball across the hill 
or " ridge " back of Mr. Hoyt's house and intervening the house 
and Fort. There were nine cannon stationed in the various para- 
pets of the Garrison. 

" Kossets " Cove is probably the old name known for the 
beach, which extends from the store of R. B. Stalter to the Point. 
In the locality south-west of the stable of Allison, Wood & Alli- 
son, and under the grade of the West Shore Rail Road, is a fa- 
mous spring which very anciently bore the name of " Kossets 
Spring," from the incident of an old Indian's residence there. 

Mr. L. Hoyt showed us a sword that was carried in the War 



RELICS. 8S 

of 1812 by Captain Aaron Decamp, the grandfather of Mrs. Lan- 
sing Hojt. It was also nsed by Captain John M. Decamp when 
he was Captain of the mihtia. 

Margaret Springstead, aged 93, of sound mind and remark- 
able memory, furnished the following items of Revolutionary 
data. Her father was Lawrence Higgins ; her mother was Mar- 
garet Scott. She is the mother of Mrs. Abram Rose. 

She remembers when a girl hearing many of the old people 
speak of the war. Robert Allison, an aged man, was a shoemaker, 
and went from house to house, as was the custom of the day, to 
make up the shoes for the families in the community. It was 
while he was staying at her father's that she heard him describe 
the taking of Stony Point. That he was in that portion of the 
army that passed over at the Mud Bridge. She also learned that 
the troops which had come up to the " Springsteel " House had 
come from Fort Montgomery, and that he was with the army on 
that march. Allison told her that at the " Springsteel " house the 
men sewed white muslin and paper on their hats that they might 
be distinguished from the enemy in the engagement that night. 
This "white cockade" was ordered by General Washington in his 
"• Orders to Wayne." She said the name of the SjDringsteel at 
whose house Wayne stopped and took supper was David, and that 
he was an old man before he married and that he afterwards mar- 
ried a young lady. 

She said the place where the men rested at Springsteel's was 
now known as Adam's Meadow, and that Paul Rose now lived 
there. It was very commonly talked in her girlhood days that 
when the British General was captured in the Garrison, some of 
them were found in their beds. She also states that the conduct 
of the General's wife at the time of his arrest was most disgrace- 
ful, and that she was reproved for it, and that she was entreated to 



^4 STONY POINT ILLtJSTEATED. 

remain quiet, as her conduct only made matters worse ; from which 
we infer she must liave shown some grit and passion. 

Mattie Benson hved in the stone house near Haverstraw. 

The British had built a two-story house on the Point, and 
many of the citizens went over on Sundays, and that the Point 
was a place of resort for many years. , 

She lived, when first married, in the house at King's Ferry, 
and her daughter, now Mrs. Rose, was obliged to walk from 
there to Knight's Corner to school, crossing the " Mud Bridge," 
daily. 

Iron Hill was to the south-east of the house, and it was just 
back of that hill that the soldiers were buried. Here were a 
number of graves, which for many years were kept sodded and 
their headstones in repair. 

One day Mrs. Springsteel was planting peas in her garden, 
when Jacob Lent came along and said, " Right where you are 
planting those peas, I saw a soldier buried. He was the tallest 
man I have ever seen." He was, probably, one of the King's 
" Grenadiers." 

She had the Spring dug while she lived at King's Ferry. 

A Mrs. Benjamin Jones often related to her the great fear 
she had when there was no ferrying going on, for while armies 
were passing she felt safe, but ordinarily it was lonely and unsafe. 

Call's Dock was built by Nicholas Call. He and his son 
kept a store there, for the custom, mainly, of the men who ran 
sloops. Hall's Dock was built farther down, for the convenience 
of the Lighthouse. 




THE CELEBKATION. 85 




CHAPTER XI. 

THE CELEBKATION. 

pROM commanding heights could be seen the gorgeous re- 
ception given the French troops on their return from the 
Yorktown victory. 

The procession and naval display of the Army of the Hud- 
son, as it wound down from its encampments of ISTew Windsor, 
Fishkill, West Point and other military posts, including the guards 
and garrisons of our own locality, and the gathering patriots who 
had previously bivouaced in the hills of the Highlands, presented 
one of the most brilliant pictures of triumphal processions known 
at that early day. This procession, in point of magnificence, shows 
the pride of Washington in everything that pertained to a well- 
equipped army. He was constantly teaching his men, both by 
precept and example, that a clean uniform and good morals were 
marks which commanded the highest respect. 

The following order, given at Newburg, August 30, 1782, is 
the highest illustration ever given of the minuteness, precision 
and military display which characterized the Father of our Coun- 
try, who says himself that he hopes " the officers will exert them- 
selves to have the movement made with grand order and regular- 
ity." The order reads : 

" Precisely at 5 o'clock to-morrow the General is to beat, on 
which the tents and baggage of the second Connecticut and third 
Massachusetts brigades are to be put in the boats. At 9 o'clock 



8r> 



STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 




THE CELEBKATION. 87 

the Assembly will beat, when these brigades are immediately to 
march and embark by the right, proceeding in one column to Yer- 
planck's Point in the following order: 1st Conn,, 2d Conn., 1st 
Mass. and 2d Mass. Brigades. 

" The leading regiment of the 1st Connecticut Brigade is to 
advance 200 yards as a vanguard, and detach one company, which 
is to keep abreast and far enough apart to keep from interfering. 
The companies will embark as they are found on the parade, and 
observe that order ; the Colonel to be on the right, the Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel on the left, and between each regiment there is to be 
a space of 75 yards ; between the brigades, 130 yards ; and be- 
tween the divisions, 250 yards. The general officers commanding 
divisions and brigades are to be at the head of their respective 
columns, the Major-General 50 yards, and the Brigadier 25 yards 
in advance of them. 

" As soon as the troops have embarked and taken their distances 
(the van opposite Little Dick's Ferry or Meigs' Redoubt) the rear 
brigade will beat March, which will be repeated to the front as a 
prejjarative ; three cannon will be tired from the park at West 
Point, and the column will immediately get under motion, the 
music of the different regiments playing alternately if the situa- 
tion of the boats will admit of it. The Inspector of Music wil- 
regulate the beat. 

" If any boat should prove too leaky, break its oars, or from 
any other cause is unable to keep the line, it is to turn out and fol- 
low after in such manner as the prudence of the officer command- 
ing shall see tit. 

" No batteaux are to be without a commanding officer in them. 
The general staff' of the army, except the Inspector, Adjutant and 
Quartermaster-Generals (who may assist in preserving order and 
regularity in the movement) and all the baggage which is not in 



88 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

boats with the troops, are to follow at a distance of half a mile in 
the rear, agreeably to the order that they may receive from the 
Quartermaster-General. 

" Guards, Generals and Staff officers are not to join their corps 
in the movement, but they may assist in transporting the baggage 
by water, in order to prevent the necessity of wagons. This by 
no means to be drawn as a precedent in future. 

" 1^0 woman to be admitted into the boats on any pretence 
whatever. 

" If the Ijoats are insufficient to transport the troops, with their 
baggage, without crowding or overloading, the surplusage will 
march by land under proper officers. The soldiers will take care 
to till their canteens with water before they embark, as they will 
have no landing for water afterwards. 

" The artillery annexed to brigades will proceed by land and 
join their respective corps at Yerplanck's Point. 

"signals by day. 

" Ist. If any brigade or regiment in the rear is unable to keep 
up, the Brigadier commanding it is to be informed and will cause 
a white Hag to be hoisted in the boat where he is, which will be 
repeated by every Brigadier (and com.) ahead, on which the lead- 
ing Brigade is to move slower. 

" 2d. If the rear would move faster, the front will be notiiied 
by a blue flag hoisted and repeated as above. 

" 3d. For landing, the regimental colors will be hoisted by the 
landing regiment, repeated throughout the line, and kept displayed 
till the landing is effected, and the troops get to the ground. 

"4th. If a halt should be found necessary on the passage by 
the Commander-in-Chief, or officer at the head of the column, it 
will be communicated by hoisting both flags (blue and white) on 
board of the boats of the Brigadiers ahead so as to be distinctly 



THE CELEBRATION. 89 

seen, and repeated as quick as possible to the rear, upon which 
the boats will lay by on their oars, and take great care to preserve 
their place and distance in line. : 

"signals by night. 

" 1st. For moving slower, a musket will be fired and repeated 
by the Brigadiers, as in the day signal. 

" 2d. For moving faster, two guns in like manner. 

" 3d. For landing, three ditto. 

"4th. For halting, a halt must be called, beginning in the 
front, and repeated from one Colonel to another distinctly, three 
times to the rear, to prevent mistakes and the confusion which 
would consequently follow. 

" When the signal for landing is given, the boats are to close 
up without crowding, and row for the shore, and fall in by the 
left of each other, in which order they are to debark at their re- 
spective landing places assigned to them on the bank, and form in 
brigade columns as usual. In this order, the head of each column 
will be conducted by the Brigade Quarter-master to the right of 
its encampment, when it will display to the left, and each regi- 
ment repair to its own camp, stack their arms, bring up their tents 
and baggage, and establish themselves. 

" The Quartermaster-General will furnish the commanding offi- 
cers of brigades with the signal flags, which are carefully to be 
preserved by the Brigade Quartermasters. 

" The General persuades himself that the officers will exert 
themselves to have the movement made with grand order and reg- 
ularity." 

THE great celebration OF THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES, 

APRIL 19, 1783. 
The following is a copy of the orders of Washington, dated 
April 18, 1783, and explain themselves : 




o 
o 



;> 
o 

M 

Ph 

O 
H 



THE CELEBRATION. 91 

" Tlie Commander-in-Chief orders the cessation of hostilities 
between the United States and the King of Great Britain to be 
publicly proclaimed to-morrow, at twelve, at the JSTew Building ; 
and that the Proclamation which will be communicated herewith 
be read to-morrow evening at the head of every regiment and corps 
of the army ; after which the Chaplain with the several Brigades 
will render thanks to Almighty God for all His mercies, particu- 
larly for his overruling the wrath of man to His glory, and caus- 
ing the rage of war to cease among the nations, 

" Although the Proclamation before alluded to extends only to 
the prohibition of hostilities, and not to the annunciation of a gen- 
eral peace, yet it must afford the most rational and sincere satis- 
faction to every benevolent mind, as it puts a period to a long and 
doubtful contest, stops the effusion of human blood, and opens 
the prospect to a more splendid scene, and, like another Morning 
Star, promises the approach of a brighter day than has hitherto 
illuminated the Western Hemisphere. On such a happy day, 
which is the harbinger of peace, a day which completes the eight 
years of the war, it would be ingratitude not to rejoice ; it would 
be insensibility not to participate in the general festivity. 

" The Commander-in-Chief, far from endeavoring to stifle 
the feelings of joy in his own bosom; offers his most cordial con- 
gratulations on the occasion to all the officers of every denomina- 
tion, to all the troops of the United. States in general, and in par- 
ticular to those gallant and persevering men who had resolved to 
defend the rights of their invaded country so long as the war 
should continue. 

"• For these are the men who ought to be considered as the 
pride and boast of the American army, and who, covered with 
well-earned laurels, may soon withdraw from the field of glory to 
the more tranquil walks of civilized life. 



92 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

" Whilst the General recollects the almost infinite variety of 
scenes through which we have passed with a mixture of pleasure, 
astonishment and gratitude ; while he contemplates the prospect 
before us with rapture, he cannot helj) wishing that all the brave 
men (of whatever condition they may be) who have shared in the 
toils and dangers of effecting this glorious revolution, of rescuing 
millions from the hand of oppression, and of laying the founda- 
tion of a great empire, might be impressed with a proper idea of 
the dignified part they have been called to act (under the smiles 
of Providence) on the stage of human affairs. For happy, thrice 
happy shall they be pronounced hereafter who have contributed 
anything, who have performed the meanest office, in erecting this 
stupendous fabric of freedom and empire on the broad basis of 
independency ; who have assisted in protecting the rights of hu- 
man nature, as establishing an asylum for the poor and oppressed 
of all nations and religions. 

" The fflorious task for which we first fiew to arms beiiiii; thus 
accomplished; the liberties of our country being fully acknow- 
ledged and firmly secured by the smiles of Heaven on the purity 
of our cause, and the honest exertions of a feeble people deter- 
mined to be free, against a powerful nation disposed to oppress 
them ; and the character of those who have persevered through 
every extremity of hardship, suffering and danger, being immor- 
taUzed by the illustrious appellation of the Patriot Army. 

"Nothing now remains but for the actors of this mighty scene 
to preserve a perfect unvarynig consistency of character through 
the very last act, to close the drama with applause, and to retire 
from the military theater with the same approbation of angels and 
men which has crowned all their former vii'tuous actions. 

"For this purpose, no disorder or licentiousness must be toler- 
ated. Every considerate and well-disposed soldier must remember 



THE CELEBRATION. 9$ 

it will be absolutely necessary to wait with patience until peace 
shall be declared, or Congress shall l)e enabled to take proper 
measures for the security of the public stores. 

" As soon as these arrangements shall be made, the General is 
confident there will be no delay in discharging, with every mark 
of distinction and honor, all the men enlisted for the war, who 
will then have faithfully performed their engagements with the 
public. 

"■ The General has already interested himself in their behalf, 
and he thinks he need not repeat the assurance of his disposition 
to be useful to them on the present and every other proper occa- 
sion. In the meantime, he is determined that no military neglects 
or excesses shall go unpunished while he retains the command of 
the army. 

"The Adjutant-General will have such working parties detailed 
to assist in making the preparation for a general rejoicing as the 
Chiof-Eiigineer with the army shall call for ; and the Quarter- 
master-General will also furnish such materials as he may want. 
The Quartermaster-General will, without delay, procure such a 
number of discharges to be printed as will be sufficient for all the 
men enlisted for the war ; he will please apply to Headquarters 
for the form. 

" An extra ration of liquor to be issued to every man to-mor- 
row to drink perpetual peace, independence and happiness to the 
United States of America." 

The following is a poem which its author had prepared to be 
read on the centennial celebration, but being taken sick he was 
obliged to return home before he could read it. We regret that 
our space would not allow of its insertion entire : 



94 STONT POINT ILLfSTRATEB. 



THE STOKMING OF STONY POINT. 

July 16th, 1779. 
an epic, by j. l. de noailles. 



' Twas in the sunny month — July — 

That month of all the year. 
The nearest to Columbia's heart, 

To Freedom's sons most dear ; 
The natal-month of Liberty, 

Whose banners then unfurled, 
Have waved o'er brilliant deeds of War, 

That ring throughout the word. 

Upon a lonely, ' Sandy Beach,' 

That skirts a beetling height, 
Which throws a shade on Hudson's stream, 

A gloom almost of night, 
Had gathered then a trusty Band, 

One sultry afternoon, 
For, ere another dav should dawn. 

Must Stony Point be won. 

Of stalwart frames and sturdy limbs. 

With souls to do and dare, 
They onward march in single file. 

No craven spirit there ; 
Each face reflects a willing heart, 

Each heart as true as steel ; 
Each man a host in righteous cause 

As soon the foe shall feel. 



THE CELEBRATlO]Sr. 9^ 

While at their head a noble form 

Strides on in martial pride, 
The hero, Wayne ! Mad Anthony Wayne ! 

With Fleuky by his side; 
His brow iirm-knit with stern resolve, 

Before to-morrow's sun, 
Shall yon proud Fort be taken back, 

Shall Stony Point be won ! 

O'er crags, through streams and miry fens, 

Undaunted wend their way. 
This Patriot band though Summer's sun 

Pours down its tiercest ray ; 
The 'Dunderberg' deters them not 

And soon is safely passed, 
The foe's in sight, huzza ! huzza ! 

The foe's in sight, at last. 

His 'men-of-war,' the evening gun 

Have tired with lordly brag, 
While o'er the Fort defiant waves 

Great Britains' blood-red flag ; 
The sight has stirred each Patriot's blood 

The flint struck from each gun, 
Shows by the deadly bayonet, 

Will Stony Point be won. 

The drowsy watch reclines his head. 

His thoughts far o'er the deep, 
And all is still but Hudson's wave 

Against the frowning steep ; 
But hark ! the sentries challenge ! 

The sharp, quick, ' who goes there V 



^6 STONY POINT ILLrSTRATEtV. 

The 'Fort's our own,' (the countersign,) 
Rings on the midnight air. 

The startled sentry's quickly seized, 

His musket's loud rejDort 
Alarms the slumbering garrison 

Within that fated Fort ; 
Loud beat the drums, to arms ! to arms ! 

Half -clad the Britons rush, 
Roused from their dreams they wake to meet 

The bayonet's deadly thrust. 

The ' forlorn hopes ' their axes ply. 

The cannon loudly roar. 
Awake the echoes of the dells, 

Resound from shore to shore ; 
The gallant Wayne, though wounded. 

Is heard amid the din, 
March on! 'at my column's head 

Let me be carried in.' 

In frantic haste the Britons arm, 

And strike the random blow. 
The sulph'rous smoke envelopes all, 

Enshrouds both friend and foe ; 
As o'er the walls the Stormers leap 

They read in each stern face, 
Revenge for every murdered sire. 

For every home laid waste. 

Despairing cries and muttered curse 

Burst out the right along. 
As Febigee's men with bayonets fixed 

Come rushing madly on ; 



THfi CELEBltATtoN. &7 

For ' Quarter,' beg the vanquished foe, 

]Nor ask for it in vain. 
The 'Fort's Our Own!' the victors shout, 

And shout, and shout again ! 

Aye, Fleury ! pull that banner down, 

It has waved o'er many a fight. 
And trailed through many a sea of blood 

But here it has no right ; 
' St. George's Cross' is in the dust. 

The gallant work is done. 
Up go the brilliant ' Stars and Stripes,' 

And Stony Point is won ! 

Now friend and foe, in soldier-graves, 

" In one red burial blent," 
Proud Wayne, to his waiting Chief, 

Laconic word has sent ; 
" The fort's ours ; with Colonel Johnson 

Six hundred prisoners be. 
And all our men behaved as men. 

Determined to be free." 

Speak softly ; 'neath yon rising mound 

Lies many a gallant heart, 
Who on this great, triumphant day. 

Did bravely act his part ; 
Tread lightly : every foot of earth 

Has drunk the crimson tide. 
So freely shed this glorious morn 

That Freedom might abide. 

When centuries have come and gone 
Since that eventful day, 



9S STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

And age on age forever flown 
Like them have passed away ; 

This statued-Bronze, a Nation's gift, 
When Empire's conrse is run, 

Will mark this spot and tell the tale 
How Stony Point was won. 

Thongh 'storied Urn,' triumphal Arch, 

Or yet sepulchral Fanes, 
Are meet upon this hallowed ground. 

To glorify their manes ; 
This stern old rock ! a grander Pile 

The Almighty Hand hath done, 
Aye trumps their fame who fought the morn 

When Stony Point was won. 




Stony Point Illustrated. 



PART II. 



C 




CHAPTER I. 

THE PROSPECT OF THE PLACE. 

iTONY POINT occupies a plateau on the west bank of the 
niagnihcent Haverstraw Bay, and is distant from New 
York City about thirty-five miles by rail. 

The morning sun gilds no lovlier landscape or descends over 
no healthier clime. The Adirondacks and Green Mountains fade 
to tameness in comparison with some features of our picturesque 
scenery. The Highlands to the north and left, the angle of the 
Palisades on the south and right, mirror themselves on the bosom 
of our mighty Hudson, while the gentle undulations, mingling 
with the ravines and lesser highlands westward, add most roman- 
tic Ijeauty to the whole. 

The West Shore Railway, which, for equipment, management, 
comfort and popularity has no superior, runs through the entire 
length, not only of our village, but over all the sediment plain 
from the Clove Tunnel, five miles to the south, to the cut in Stony 
Point Promontory, and through it passes in beautiful meandering 
to the slopes of the lower Highlands. 

Its long trains of elegant passenger coaches and immense 
continuous lines of freight cars emerging from beneath Mount 
" Tlior's " lower Alp, move, for the first time since their depart- 
ure from Weehawken, in full view of the upper '• Tappan 
Zee ;" but its station, which commands the grandest survey of the 
magnificent Haverstraw Bay, is the one engraved as the frontis- 
piece of the 4th chapter of this volume. 



102 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

Here the passenger, halting to visit the classic grounds of the 
Revolution, views with enraptured emotion the high battle ground 
of Mad Anthony Wayne on his left, and the expanse of Bay in 
which the '^ Vulture " of the British fleet lay while on her das- 
tardly mission of treason, on the right. Here, in close proximity 
to the " Causeway " and "• S wail,". over which Wayne's intrepid 
veterans pushed on to the storming of the Fort, as by a special 
monumental designing, the West Shore's beautiful station is 
erected out of the bricks made from the very clay which was con- 
secrated by the blood of the patriots who fell on that memorable 
night. Exhumed war missiles, such as ball and grape shot, are 
preserved in the cabinets of some of our families. Many have 
been removed to military museums, while down sunken in the 
marsh at the base of the side of the bold promontory are still 
remnants of the outer line of " Abatis." Every inch of these 
grounds is sacred in the annals of history, and a thousand years 
hence will be visited equally and as eagerly as are the Pantheon 
of Rome or the Temples of Concord and Jupiter of Agrigentum 
of Gi-reece. 

Standing on these grounds the transient habitue, as well as 
the permanent dweller, feels that he is on sacred soil. None visit 
our quiet hamlet but to laud its physical beauties and resort to its 
classic scenes ; while the natural scenery is a subject of like in- 
terest to foreign and native artists. 

Here the moral tone is elevated, and the sanctuary privileges 
are equal to those of any rural village. 

The natural advantages are proverbial. The great Metropolis 
of the C/Ontinent would be seriously retarded in her material pro- 
gress without us. Manhattan would be bleaker and less substan- 
tial without 

" Our tempered clay in moulded brick complete." 



104 



STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 



Hundreds of millions of bricks are annually sent from our 
shores. 

It is truly enchanting to sit on a cottage balcony on a Summer 
evening and see the great steamers, like brilliant floating castles, 
move up and down the river. In the silvery light of the moon, 
or under the star-lit sky, how different from the 

" Low sound of leaves and splash of oars, 
And lapsing waves on quiet shores," 

of some inland wood-bound lake. 



CHAPTER II. 

FISHING. 

THE fishing of the Bay, once a business 
yielding a fair income to those who fol- 
lowed it, has of late become less profit- 
able. Among the early fishermen were 
John Leet, David Lawrence, John Bul- 
son, John Ten Eyck, Hiram Phillips, 
Patrick and Thomas Reilly, Eugene 
Piero and Caleb Gilleo, who did more or 
less fishing. 

A good record is also made by Harris and Jacob Lent. Those 
engaged particularly in shad fishing were Wm, Weiant, Geo. B. 
Fowler, and their assistants. 

Wm. I. Owen has tried various devices, and has disturbed 
the happiness of many fishes of many kinds. 




FISHING. 105 

Shad are caught iii large quantities in the Spring from April 
to June. Once or twice in a season a sturgeon gets entangled in 
the (Jrift net. Tliej have been caught measuring 9 feet in length, 
weighing 200 to 400 lbs. Seines are from 600 to 900 feet long.' 
The set line or - trawl" is used for catching striped bass and eels. 
The drift net is a popular device. The length of it is sometimes 
2000 feet, and has a depth of 25 feet. The net is kept in an up 
right position by a row of buoys of wooden blocks fastened to the 
top line 18 ft. apart. Iron rings, from 6 in. to 8 in. in diameter, 
are fastened to the bottom or ground line to correspond with the 
floating blocks. The meshes of this kind of net are 4| to 5 inches. 
The nets are allowed to float with the tide for several hours, 
during which time the shad, in attempting to pass up the river,' 
And themselves fast by the gills in the meshes of the net. In 
olden times the gill net was fastened to poles set in the mud of the 
river. Some have been driven as deep as 14 ft. Poles 60 ft. in 
length were sometimes used. The timber being green would na- 
turally sink. When conveyed by boat to the spot where they 
were to be driven, the buts, which had been previously sharpened, 
were allowed to sink while the tops were held on to. By fasten- 
ing a cross-beam to this top, the weight of a number of men 
would force the stick down into tlie mud of the river bottom. 
These poles were usually set 20 ft. apart. Our cut shows one of 
the most unique nets for catching bass and perch. This style is 
called T net. We accompany the engraving with tlie followinir 
description, viz. : A stick of hemlock, chestnut or other light lum- 
ber, about 16 ft. long, is anchored at one end by a cable and stone ; 
the other end is allowed to stick up in the water. Within a few 
feet of the top are bored two holes to receive hickory withes, 
which suspend the floating stick, to which the net is attached al 
seen in the picture. The net is usually about 15 ft. square, and. 



10f> STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

being well weighted, it stands in an upright position, the entire 
fixture being held in position in low water by the heavy sinkers at 
the end of the long hemlock timber. As the tide moves up or 
down, the net can freely adapt its position to its movement. The 
fish are caught, in the meshes as they are in drifts. Sometimes 15 
or 20 of those T nets are set across the river by one fisherman. 
This same style of net is also used in fishing on ice. Long open- 
ings are cut in the ice, and the nets let down through these aper- 
tures. 

Common fikes are set with wings 8 to 10 feet long. Eel pots, 
made up of splints about 4 feet long, and l:)aited with " menha- 
den," or herring, or scraps of fish, etc., are useful devices to catch 
certain kinds of fishes. As high as 30 lbs. have been caught in a 
single fike. 

The angler still goes fishing for sport. In the season of shad 
fishing persons from the country come long distances to purchase 
a supply of shad. ISTewburgh and New York City are the prin- 
ciple markets. 



CHATER III. 

THE GEOLOGY OF STONY POINT. 
BY PROF. J. F. KEMP. 




^HE triangular area of Stony Point Township includes a 
series of diflierent kinds of rocks, whose diversity is quite 
surprising when the attention is closely directed to them. Their 
general relations are as follows : The great ridge of the Palisades 
ceases where the Haverstraw tunnel of the West Shore Railway 
breaks through. Tlie hard, compact rock of which it is formed 
gives place to red sandstones, shales and conglomerates, which 



GEOLOGY OF STONY POINT. 107 

stretch away to the north, underlying Haverstraw and the south- 
ern portion of Stony Point. On the river bank they are covered 
up by the clay beds, but inland they reveal their presence by the 
red color of the soil, which results from their disintegration. 

They reach north well into Stony Point, forming the cliffs 
along the brook below the main street of the village. 

Their northern limit runs from a point southwest of the old 
M. E. Church, diagonally northeast to the small cut on the West 
Shore Railway between Stony Point Station and the Point itself. 

N^ear the above-named church the red sandstone is succeeded 
by a tough, dark-gray rock, and this again by the light-gray gneiss 
on which the church itself is built. Along the highway from 
Stony Point to Tompkin's Cove, the red sandstone is succeeded 
by the blue limestone, which is probably a continuation of the 
dark gray rock above referred to. But, on the West Shore track, 
we meet first a contorted mica schist, whose twisted layers afford 
some surfaces in the cut like the grain of curly maple, and, second, 
the heavy black rock of which the greater part of the Point is 
formed. 

Strange to say, on the top of the j^i'omontory are some stray 
pieces of limestone entirely surrounded by this black rock, exactly 
as if it had picked them up when flowing in a melted condition like 
lava. Following the railroad track, a lighter colored brown gran- 
ite succeeds, and then, after crossing the Cove, a few feet of slaty 
rock, and then the quarries in the blue limestone. Along the 
highway the red sandstone is succeeded, as has been already stated, 
by the blue limestone. The limestone gives place, just north of 
Connor's Hotel, to the gneiss, which stretches unbroken to the 
Highlands. 

Further inland, however, we meet, just north of the St. 
George's M. E. Church, along the roadside near the old parsonage. 



108 



STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 



a dark, black rock similar to Stony Point, wliicli runs along the 
gneiss in an irregular line north east to Henry Keesler's, appear- 
ing also in small amount to the east of his house. At the black- 
smith shop of Warren Brooks on Duck Cedar Brook a good ex- 
posure is seen. But a short distance north the gneiss again reap- 
pears, and stretches away to the Highlands. West of the brook 
at the lime kiln is a bed of fine white and veined marble, which 
might furnish a beautiful ornamental stone if properly prepared. 
The hills, however, are gneiss. 




RILEY & rose's brick YARD. 

This brief description details the rocks fairly well, and it 
simply remains to say a word about their relations to the neigh- 
boring region. 

The red sandstone does not cross the Hudson. The country 
there is chietiy formed of the gneiss and the black rocks of Stony 
Point and the blue limestone. 



aEOLOftY OF STONY POINT. 109 

Back of Verplanck's Point, along the contact between the 
black rock and the gneiss, some eniery has been mined, and also 
inland near Colebangh Pond. 

Similar emery may be found in Stony Point north of the St. 
George's M. E. Church, but it is to be said that the mines across 
the river are no longer worked, and were never much of a success. 

The clay beds of Grassy Point and the beach are, however, 
of great value, and will furnish employment and livelihood for 
many people for many years to come. 

They are sediments which have been deposited by the Hud- 
son River on the rocks already mentioned, when the river was 
larger than now, and set back on its banks as far as the clay beds 
are found. If any leaves or shells should be found in the clay 
beds they should be preserved, as they are of great interest to those 
familiar with them. 

The Tom2:)kin's Cove limestone is a valuable stone, and use- 
ful for a great variety of purposes. 

The other rocks, however, are of no practical value, and are 
interesting only from their diversity. 

There is no probability of anything being found in them val- 
uable enough to pay for digging it out. 

The " clay dogs " found in the clay bed are curious. There 
were found by Enos Jersey some iine specimens. 




Mtrsic. Ill 




CHAPTER lY 

MUSIC. 

^HE morals and refining arts have received due attention. 
Yet it was not always so. The early mnses of poetry and 
and music did not seem, at tlie first, to find this fairy land, but 
passed right on through the lower gates of the Highlands 
in search of broader, but, alas ! less fruitful fields, to ply their 
shrilling pibrochs among the Highlanders of the Hudson. They 
searched only for the hire of the chivalrous knights of Revolu- 
tionary fame, while here in "Mohammed's Paradise," or this veri- 
table Pantheon of the gods, lived true earls of inoral luxury and 
noted barons of undoubted wealth. Had the provincial settlers 
counselled with the sages of the ennobling art of lyric nmsic, a 
softer pathos and more refining imagery would have filkd the 
minds of our otherwise intelligent populace. 

Happy, however, for the present generation that the incipient 
love of the sacred science of vocal music, and the elevating and 
evangelizing art of instrumental harmony, have been recently 
introduced, and that noteworthy contributions of promising talent 
are being made to this very commendable passion and accomplish- 
ment. Show me the community devoid of love for music, and 
you have pointed to a sure evidence of degrading superstition. 
Music is an antidote to all forms of it. Hazlitt never said a truer 
saying, respecting the mission of music, than the following : "• The 
sound which the stream of high thoughts carried down the future 




VIEWS ON HUDSON STREET, 



MtTSTC. 113 

ages makes as it flows — deep, distant murmuring evermore like the 
waters of the mighty ocean." Thoughts that would perish like 
diamonds dropped into the sea, are borne aloft and conveyed to 
the chambers of the higher intellect by the fragrant air of music. 
How many precious interpretations of Eternal Truth are uncon- 
sciously imbibed in song and melody ! It was born in Heaven. 
The morning stars sang together at Creation's dawn. Harps of 
gold are used in Paradise. David, the ancient sweet singer of 
Israel, may now be teaching the infant millions the song of right- 
eousness, and Miriam leading the choir of the one hundred and 
forty-four thousand in the rendering of the poem commemorative 
of Israel's escape at the Arabian Gulf. Only her leadership, per- 
chance, could guide the sonata of that immortal song of Moses, 
before whom the ancient Celtic bards, Sappho and Horace, with 
lyre and guitar, may mingle with the harpers of the Great King 
led in their celestial music by her once rude timbrel but now hea- 
venly instrument. How vividly the memory of those sounds 
must revive the images of the past. All ages and peoples, of any 
hue and condition, had their music. 



CHAPTEE V. 

THE CHURCHES. 
THE TOMPKIn's COVE M. P. CHURCH. 

^HE Tompkin's Cove M. P. Church (see page 29) was or- 
ganized June 3rd, 1843, Eev. E. W. Griswold, pastor. 
Of those who were then members only four survive, and only one 
(Sally Odell) is still a member, the other three having moved 
awav. 




114 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

For the first six years following the organization, there is no 
detailed account that has been preserved of the deaths and re- 
movals, etc. Since that time, including the original members 
organized, 412 persons have been received into full membership. 
Of these 46 have died meml)ers of the church in liojie, 175 have 
moved away with letters of dismissal, 68 liave dropped from tlie 
rolls as backsliden, 8 have withdrawn by request of the j)astor, 1 
has been expelled, 112 are still members of the church. This 
leaves 10 unaccounted for in consequence of the imperfection of 
the record for the first six years. 

The Society is in a good condition, financially and otherwise. 
When taken ahogether, perhaps, it was never stronger than it is 
to-day. 

CHURCH OF THF: IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. 

This building was erected in the year 1861 during the pas- 
torate of the late Rev. Patrick Mahoney, of Haverstraw. It is a 
brick structure, situated at Tompkin's Cove, about five miles from 
the village of Haverstraw. 

Before its erection in 1861 the Catholics of this place were 
accustomed to hold their religious services in the old store of the 
Tompkin's Cove Lime Company, in which the family of an Irish- 
man named John McGrath then resided. Here Mass was cele- 
brated about once a month by a priest well-known to the citizens 
of Haverstraw as Fatlier McKeown. This was about tlie year 
1847. This zealous priest remained about two or three years in 
Haverstraw, and was succeeded by Rev. J. Scullen, who also min- 
istered to the wants of the Catholic portion of his fiock in Stony 
Point, and conducted the religious services on Sundays in the 
house of John Caffray, one of the few Catholics now surviving 
who were obliged at one time to walk from here to New York if 



THE CHIJRCHES. 



115 




they desired to receiv^e the consolations of tlieir religion from a 
Catholic priest. 

Rev. Patrick Mahoney succeeded Father ScuUen as pastor of 
Haverstraw, and he, seeing the need of a commodious and suit- 
able place of worship for the increasing Catholic population of 
Stony Point, commenced the erection of a church. The building 
was commenced on the 13th day of April, and the first Mass was 
celebrated on the 15th day of August, 1861. 

During the pastoral charge of Father Mahoney, a day school 



ll(l STOXY POIlSfT ILlAtsTRATED. 

for children was started in the liasenient of the church, but, owing 
to the limited means of, and the gradual decrease in, the Catholic 
population of this vicinity, the school was not of very long dura- 
tion. 

In the year lfiT6 the Rev. Henry P. Baxter was appointed 
pastor at Haverstraw, and whilst under his guidance the Catholic 
people of this vicinity attended religious services in their church 
every second Sunday until the year 1886, when they resolved up- 
on possessing a resident priest. Encouraged by their pastor to 
raise funds for the purpose of erecting a pastoral residence, the 
Catholics of this place, though few in numbers, set to work with 
a will. Thinking that their efforts would be more successful if 
they had a priest to direct them in their noble undertaking, they 
petitioned for a priest, and the assistant priest of Haverstraw, 
Rev. J. P. Brennan, was appointed as their first resident pastor. 
The present flourishing condition of the j^arish, which numbers 
only 75 families, bears ample testimony to the generosity and re- 
ligious zeal of the Catholics in the upper portion of Stony Point. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, STONY POINT. 

In connection with the Presbyterian Church of Haverstraw, 
a congregation of people alike in religious views grew up within 
the present limits of our town, Sunday school was flrst estab- 
lished in 1845, meeting in the house of worship which had been 
built the previous year. From this a strong and flourishing church 
was soon developed. The Haverstraw Church relinquished all 
claims to their legal title, and the people became a separate charge. 

The church was rebuilt in 1869, and now stands a commodi- 
ous house of worship, as seen in our cut. 

The following pastors have officiated since its organization : 
The Revs. Abijah Green, David Egan, Frederick King, J. J. Mc- 



THE CHURCHES. 



ur 







PRESBYTEKIAN CHURCH. 



Malion, R. B. Mattice, T. C. Straus, and the present pastor. Rev. 
Mr. Gilniore. 

Rev. J. S. Gilniore is tlie son of William and grandson of 
William Gilniore. Mr. Gilniore is a native of West Virginia, 
and was born Sept. 2, 1880. His father was born near Carlisle, 
Pa., in 1773. The grandfather was a native of Ireland. Mr. 
Gilmore's mother was Agnes Scott, the place and date of her birth 
being Washington Co., Pa., February 14, 1 797. She was the daugh- 
ter of Mary Hamilton, who was born in Westmoreland Co., Pa., 
in 1772. The brothers of Mr. Gilniore are William, Robert and 
Joseph ; the sisters, Marv, Sarah Ann, and Margaret. 

His wife's name before marriage, April 27, 1859, was Catha- 
rine, the daughter of George Sloaiie. The daughters are Mary S., 
Sarah A., Martha L. and Florence H. 

Rev. Mr. Gilmore was called to the pastorate of the Presby- 
terian Church of this place October, 1884, having served formerly 
the following churches : The First dmrcli of Indiana; Sullivan, 
Indiana ; Keinett Square,^ Pa. ; Titusville, I*^. J. In mission 



118 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

work, New York city, Fredonia Plains, IST. Y., and Stony Point, 
N. Y., making an average of fonr years in seven charges. His 
graduations were from Jefferson College and Princeton Seminary. 

THE HOUSE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 

In the year 1866 there was established, under the care and 
direction of the Rev. Ebenezer Gay, Jr., an Episcopal institution 
known as the House of the Good Shepherd. 

Mr. Gay first came to Haverstraw in 1859 and again in 1862, 
when he entered upon his duties as rector of Trinity Parish. He 
had spent his early years in teaching in various schools, and by 
laborious work had succeeded in obtaining an extended education. 
His experience had fitted him well for the lifework before him. 
While ministering in his parish at Haverstraw he formed plans 
which matured in the establishment of a home for the orphans in 
the parish. 

Later on, this was developed into a mission house, home and 
training school. At hrst located at Haverstraw, then moved to 
Garnerville, it is now located in a beautiful and commanding view 
upon the Hudson, a short distance above Tompkin's Cove. 

The buildings consist of the home, school-house and church, 
all constructed under the supervision of Mr. Gay, and still under 
his charge. 

ST. George's methodist church 
is situated about one mile west of the West Shore Rail Road Sta- 
tion at Stony Point. Its origin is dated to 1807, when Daniel 
Phillips opened his house for a class and became its hrst class 
leader. Among the early Methodists were Mr. Wandell, John 
Thiell and Rev. James Sherwood. The regular itinerants who, 
under God, assisted in planting early Methodism in this region, 
were Rev. Peter Vannest, Daniel Fidler, John Finley, Phineas 







^' •¥,' 



^//OTCr J.1.1. t /(/ 







ST. GEORGES M. E. CHURCH. 



120 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

Rice, Joseph Lybrand, Charles Pitman, George Benghart, Law- 
rence McCombs, Manning Force, Win. Hibbard, Anthony At- 
wood, David W. Bartine. The subsequent pastors were Revs. L. 
M. Prettynian, Wni. Hanly, I. K. Felch, Benj. Reed, Matthew 
Mattison, Alex. Gilinore, Josiah F. Cantield, Mulford Day, L. 
R. Dunn, Joseph Ashbrook, Geo. F. Brown, Wm. M. Burrows, 
Fletcher Lunnnis, Garret Van Horn, S. D. Longheed, M. C. 
Stokes, W. G. Wiggins, Walter Chamberlain, F. S. Wolf, Rod- 
ney Winans, Gilbert H. Winans, J. W. Seran, David Walters, J. 
W. Barrett, Richard Johns, Isaac W. Cole, A. S. Campton, H. J. 
Hayter, J. P. Fort and E. V. King. 

The present edilice was rebuilt in 1882, under the pastorate 
of Rev. E. V. King. It is at present connected with the charge 
of Thiells, Rev. C. Clark, pastor. 

THE STONY POINT METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

was organized according to the law governing religious societies, 
Jan. 13, 1885, and assumed the above-named title because the 
church building or tabernacle was built in the village of Stony 
Point. There was no church of the name in the place. The cor- 
porate name of the old church from which the new came out had 
been and still is known in law as " St. George's M. E. Church of 
North Haverstraw." 

Ecclesiastically, the new society was not recognized until the 
following Spring, when the annual Conference set it apart as a 
separate charge, giving its pastor the oversight at the same time 
of Garnerville. Previous, however, to the organization of this 
church, a few ladies, whose residences were in this part of the 
charge, met at the house of the late W. J. Weiant, on the evening 
of Oct. 9, 1884, and organized a Ladies' Aid Society. Mr. Wei- 
ant presided by request of the meeting. The lirst prayer meeting 



122 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

held in the place by this society was held in the Tabernacle, Dec. 30. 
There were sixteen persons present. The Sunday School was or- 
ganized in the Tabernacle, Jan. 11, 1885, with 38 scholars, 5 offi- 
cers and 9 teachers. The lirst meeting of the new Board of Trus- 
tees took place Jan. 17, 1885. There were 9 trustees, and all 
present. 

The temporary structure in which the society worship was 
erected July 4, 1884, but was not enclosed until November. The 
cost of the building entire was about $800, and the lot was $1000. 
The society was duly incorporated on the day of its organization. 

Its present pastor, the Author, is closing a pastorate of three 
years, having spent a year on the old charge, which would make 
four years in the same community. 

The membership at the opening of the new church was Y9. 
The number of names on the Record since has been 175, beside 
the probationers. The aggregate amount of money raised for all 
purposes during the writer's pastorate is $10,800. 

Before leaving the church, we have, at no expense to them, 
left an engraving of a prospective edifice with the hope that in the 
near future the society may be able to erect sometliing similar to 
it. The one shown in the cut can be built for about $5,000, and 
would accommodate, when properly seated, 500 persons. 




REGISTRATION. 



123 



CHAPTEK VI. 



REGISTRATION, 




HE following is a list of names of the voters of Stony 
Point Townshij) : 



Askew, George Stony Point 

Ambrey, Arthur " 

Ambrey, Willis " 

Abrams, Edward " 

Abrams, George " 

Able, Daniel " 

Aiken, Henry " 

Ayers, Thomas " 

Allison, Wilbur " 

Allison, Frank Grassy Point 

Allison, Brewster J Stony Point 

Ambrey, William " 

Anderson, James. . . .Tompkin's Cove 

Allison, Charles Grassy Point 

Allison, John W " 

Applegate, Benj Tompkin's Cove 

Burd, Chas. W Stony Point 

Basley, Wm " 

Balson, Duane " 

Bobb, John Tompkin's Cove 

Basley, Eobert Stony Point 

Basley, Henry " 

Basley, Aaron " 

Basley, Thomas " 

Basley, Garrett " 

Brooks, John " 

Bulson, Jackson " 

Burd, Wm. H Tompkin's Cove 

Burris, Thomas Stony Point 

Bulson, Levi " 

Bulson, James " 

Barton, Daniel Stony Point 

Brush, William " 

Bulson, Richard Grassy Point 



Babcock, Moses Stony Point 

Babcock, Alfred ' ' 

Bobb, Louis, Jr " 

Bowman, Eugene Grassy Point 

Babcock, Augustus Stony Point 

Babcock, Isaac " 

Brooks, O. B " 

Basley, John W " 

Babcock, Josiah " 

Bulson, Sylvester " 

Burris, Abram " 

Brennan, Michael " 

Burris, Thomas '' 

Brooks, Thomas • ' 

Brooks, William " 

Belden, Wm. R " 

Brooks, M. V. B " 

Bulson, Jonas Tompkin's Cove 

Bower, David Stony Point 

Barns, Joseph " 

Blauvelt, William 

Barton, Warren " 

Blauvelt, Thomas " 

Blauvelt, Samuel '' 

Blair, John " 

Blair, William " 

Barton, James " 

Barton, Hanford " 

Bu'd, Charles " 

Burd, Pludson .Jones' Point 

Barton, James K Grassy Point 

Ballard, Sylvester R St^ny Point 

Bulson, Alexander " 

Bower, Louis " 



12-1: 



STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 



Brownell, Jacob E Stony Point 

Brightmyre, Jacob 

Bower, George 

Bower, Stephen H 

Bulson, John A 

Bulson, Hiram 

Burris, Wm. H 

Beebe, Richard 

Bulson, Wm. J 

Bulson, Henry 

Bulson, John Fort Montgomery 

Byard, Andrew Stony Point 

Byard, Henry " 

Babcock, Thomas Thiells 

Brophy, Patrick Grassy Point 

Benson, Michael 

Brooks, Warren Stony Point 

Bobb, Louis, Sr " 

Brooks, Brewster " 

Bonner, Thomas . . .Tompkin's Cove 

Burke, Thomas Grassy Point 

Boldt, Christian Stony Point 

Boldt, John " 

Ballard, Alvin S " 

Ballard, Andrew " 

Ballard, Nelson " 

Breunan, Ilev. Fr Tompkin's Cove 

Burris, Sherman Stony Point 

Burris, Ellsworth 

Corwin, Josiah 

Clark, William 

Clark, Peter 

Coe, George 

Clancy, Frank 

Costello, James 

Clark, James 

Clark, Frank 

Caffery, Peter 

Cole, Jacob 

Coe, Isaac 

Call, Everet 

Call. Jacob 

Call Wallace 

Courtney, John 

Connell, Patrick 

Casscles, Albert 

Casscles, Chas. H 

Casscles, James 

Casscles, Jeremiah 

Cavel, William B 

Crum, Spencer 

Crum, Henry 



Cuuklin, Edmund Stony Point 

Conklin, Leonard " 

Conklin, Joseph " 

Caton, Elsworth 

Call, Wm. J " 

Champan, Theodore " 

Casscles, King W " 

Casscles, John " 

Casscles, Joseph " 

Casscles, Alonzo P " 

Casscles, Joseph, Jr " 

Coe, Henry Grassy Point 

Coe, Gabriel 

Call, Jacob Tompkin's Cove 

Clancy, Felix 

Connell, John " 

Connor, John '• 

Caffery, John •' 

Crawley, Richard Grassy Point 

Crum, George Stony Point 

Crum, Earnest " 

Clark, John 

Clark, Matthew. . . .Tompkin's Cove 

Coleman, H. M Stony Point 

Crum, Chester '' 

Duffney, Miles " 

Decker, Austiu " 

Dutcher, Brickenridge . .Jones' Point 

Delanoy, Calvin Stony Point 

Dykius, Alonzo " 

Deronde, Theodore.., Tompkin's Cove 

Doyle, Thomas Grassy Point 

Degroat, John. " 

Deronde, William Stony Point 

Decker, William, Jr '• 

Davis, Henry Grassy Point 

Delaney, Jerry, Jr " 

Dockerty, John " 

Dreddin, John " 

Delanev, Jeremiah, Sr. . . " 

De Groat, Chas " 

De Camp, John, Jr Stony Point 

Drout, George, Jr Jones' Point 

Drout, Henry " 

Dunn, Michael Tompkin's Cove 

Dennison, Alexander. . . .Stony Point 

Degau, John Tompkin's Cove 

Dunn, Martin " 

Dunn, John Stony Point 

Dunn, William Tompkin's Covt 

Duffney, Wm. H Stony Poine 

De Camp, Aaron " 



EEGISTRATIOIsr. 



125 



Point 



Decker, Abram G Stony Point 

De Camp, John M " 

De Camp, Mattliew " 

Decker, Wm " 

Dykins, Abram '• 

Deronde, Jacob Tompkin's Cove 

De Groat, James A Jones' Point 

Duel, Prof Tompkin's Cove 

Dinan, Thomas Grassy Point 

Dykens, Alonzo Stony Point 

Dykens, Charles 

Easton, John 

Engle, Jacob 

Engle, Peter 

Forrest, Jackson 

Finnigan, Phillip 

Finnigan, Irving 

Fagan, Terrance Grassy 

Fox, Hugh 

Finn, James 

Flyn, Michael 

Fay, Patrick 

Farland, Mike 

Fovpler, William Stony 

Frank, Herman 

Frank, Julius 

Fowler, Gin)ert Grassy 

Fowler, John Stony 

Fowler, James W ' 

Finn, Edward ' 

Frank, Jacob ' 

Fales, George ' 

Fonda, Bayard ' 

Fonda, Howard ' 

Fonda, Clinton ' 

Gannon, S. B Jones' Point 

Goetschius, Roswell Stony Point 

Golden, John 

Garrison, William. . .Tompkin's Cove 
Gay, Rev. Ebeuezer.. 

Gee, Charles Stony Point 

Gallagher, Chaiies J . . . . Grassy Point 

Goldrick, Phillip 

Gallagher, Thomas 

Gallagher, B. J 

Gallagher, Daniel Stony Point 

Gilleo, Caleb " 

Gilleo, Eugene . '' 

Gilmor, Rev. J. S ■' 

Goetschius, Nelson " 

Goetschius, Eugene " 

Gallagher, Patrick. ..Tompkin's Cove 



Point 



Point 
Point 



Garrison, Prince Stony Point 

Gallagher, William. .Tompkin's Cove 

Goetscliius, Samuel Stony Point 

Goetschius, Henry D " 

Goetschius, Joseph " 

Goetschius, James H '' 

Garrison, JS. A., Dr " 

Grady, James Tompkin's Cove 

Grady, Martin " 

Hoeck, John Stony Point 

Herbert, Samuel Jones' Point 

Herbert, Joseph " 

Holt, Thomas Stony Point 

Hurd, Wm. J " 

Hoyt, Charles " 

Hill, Calvin T Tompkin's Cove 

Herbert, Nathaniel Jones' Point 

Hulse, James Stony Point 

Hurd, Jackson " 

Higgins, William. . ..Tompkin's Cove 

Hurd, Hudson Stony Point 

Hannigan, Patrick " 

Hogan, James " 

Hurd, Mathew " 

Hill, Silas " 

Halt, Albert 

Hoyt, Dennis M " 

Hoyt, George " 

Hoyt, James B Tompkin's Cove 

Halt, William F Stony Point 

Halley, Ferdinand. ..Tompkin's Cove 
Halley, David G. . . . 

Herbert, Hiram Jones' Point 

Herbert, Isaac " 

Hurd, Abram Stony Point 

Holly, Hiram Tompkin's Cove 

Hoyt, William H Stony Point 

Hastings, Jacob B " 

Hammond, Wm. K " 

Hilton, Henry '' 

Harrison, C. S 

Hazard, Daniel " 

Hazard, James " 

Hazard, Frank F 

Hurd, David J 

Hill, Henry 

June, Caleb Jones' Point 

June, Lemuel " 

Jones, James Stony Point 

Jones, William " 

Johnson, Harrison " 

Jones, Johu J '' 



126 



STONY POINf ILLUSTEATBO, 



June, Andrew Jones' Point 

Johnson, George Stony Point 

June, Peter " 

Jones, William F " 

June, Ddvid " 

Jones, Edward " 

James, Ambrose Tompkin's Cove 

June, Abraham " 

Johnson, Arthur Stony Point 

June, Baxter Jones' Point 

Jones, John R Stony Point 

Jones, Charles " 

James, Paul '" 

James, William H. . .Tompkin's Cove 

Johnson, W. N Stony Point 

Jersey, Enos Grassy Point 

Kemp, Charles Jones' Point 

Kempi Theodore " 

Keiser, John Tompkin's Cove 

Keiser, John, Jr " 

Keenan, Patrick Stony Point 

Keesler, Alexander. .Tompkin's Cove 

Keenen, John 

Kearny, Michael 

Kelly, Michael ... 

Kelly, Michael 

Keenan, James 

Kearny, James 

Knapp, Jacob P Stony Point 

Keesler, Henry " 

Knapp, Hiram G " 

King, John " 

Keesler, Edward 

Keenan, Arthur ' • 

Keesler, Bradley. . . .Tompkin's Cove 

Keeaan, Edward " 

Keenan, John " 

Keenan, Thos " 

Krusie, William Stony Point 

Krusie, Hiram " 

Krusie, Charles Tompkin's Cove 

Knapp, David J Stony Point 

Knight, William "" 

Keesler, James " 

Keesler, Daniel " 

Keesler, Henry Tompkin's Cove 

Keesler, Theodore. . . " 

King, William E. ... " 

Knapp, John Stony Point 

Knowlton, James " 

Kochler, Chas. H Jones' Point 

Lewis, Oliver Grassy Point 



Lent, Moses Tompkin's Cove 

Lent, George " 

Lent, Abraham '' 

Lemon, J. N Jones' Point 

Linkletter, James Stony Point 

Linkletter, John J Jersey City 

Lanegen, Patrick Grassy Point 

Long, Patrick " 

Long, William " 

Lynch, William Tompkin's Cove 

Lent, William H " 

Lent, Leonard *' 

Lent, Harris " 

Lent, Jacob " 

Leonard, Patrick Stony Point 

Lent, Augustus Tompkin's Cove 

Lynch, James Stony Point 

Leach, Elijah " 

Lilburn, Adam Haverstraw 

Lawrence, David Stony Point 

Leet, James " 

Lent, Alfred J Jones' Point 

Lent, Richard Tompkin's Cove 

Lent, William " 

Lent, Joshua " 

Lynch, William Stony Point 

Leach, John T " 

Lynch, Daniel " 

Leach, Charles '' 

Leach, George '' 

McElroy, Roswell " 

McCanley, Lewis " 

Morgan, George " 

Meehan. Martin Tompkin's Cove 

Muray, Thos Stony Point 

Mackey, Ja tnes H " 

Mulhail, John " 

Mahon, John " 

Miller, Joseph " 

Martin, Hai son Tompkin's Cove 

Mackey, Edward Stouy Point 

Miller, William " 

Marsh, Nelson '' 

Morrisey, Patrick Grassy Point 

Mackey, Aaron " 

Mulhail, Garrett Stony Point 

May, Jacob Grassy Point 

Mossieur, Paul " 

Mackey, William Stony Point 

Munderville, John Grassy Point 

Merritt, Jeremiah " 

Miller, Archibald " 



REGISTRATION, 



127 



Mulvale, Martin Stony Point 

Marsh, Stephen " 

Marsh, Alexander " 

Mackey, Isaac Tompkiu's Cove 

Mead, Joseph Stony Point 

McBride, Walter 

Miller, John '' 

McMahon, Rev. J. J " 

Marks, Abraui D " 

Marks, Richard B • ' 

Marks, Charles 

Marks, George H " 

Mackey, David Haverstraw 

Mackey, Everet Stony Point 

McCauley, William " 

Msehan, Patrick. . . .Tompkin's Cove 

Martin, Charles Stony Point 

Meusell, Antone " 

Nally, James " 

Nolan, James " 

Neilley, John H " 

Odell, Miles 

Odell, Lascelle.. . . . .Tompkin's Cove 

Odell, Sidney Thiells 

Ogier, Wm. C Stony Point 

Odell, Nelson Thiells 

Olive, James Stony Point 

O'Malley, Thos Grassy Point 

O'Keef, Cornelius " 

Odell, James Stony Point 

Odell, William 

Odell, Henry " 

O'Brien, Michael. . . .Tompkin's Cove 

Ossman, Louis Stony Point 

Ossman, John " 

Oakley, Charles B Jones' Point 

O Keef, John Grassy Point 

O'Brian, Martin Stony Point 

Odell, Charles Thiells 

Odell, Jacob. " 

Odell, Rutledge Tompkin's Cove 

Ossman, Joseph Grassy Point 

Osborn, Daniel Stony Point 

Olive, Benjamin " 

Owen, William I " 

Phillips, John W " 

Paul, William H " 

Phillips, Harrison " 

Price, William 

Penny, Fred., Attorney.. " 

Phillips, Thos " 

Phillips, John W., Jr.... 



U 
H 

u 
u 



Phillips, Hiram Stony Point 

Phillips, Nelson " 

Phillips, William " 

Payne, A. T., Attorney.. 

Penny, Joseph 

Phillips, Daniel 

Phillips, Edward J 

Peterson, Samuel 

Pymm, Stephen 

Pymm, Melville 

Peterson, Charles. . ..Tompkin's Cove 

Peterson, Rock Grassy Point 

Palmer, James Thiells 

Paul, Harry Stony Point 

Paul, Samuel " 

Phillips, Nelson, Jr " 

Phillips, Nelson R " 

Quelch, William " 

Rose, David W " 

Rose, Daniel " 

Reed, Alexander " 

Rose, Alfred " 

Rhodes, George W Jones' Point 

Rose, John Stony Point 

Rose, George A . " 

Rose, Leonard " 

Rider, Oliver Tompkin's Cove 

Rose, Oscar Stony Point 

Rose, James, Jr " 

Ryan, Thomas Grassy Point 

Rose, William Stony Point 

Rose, Charles B " 

Rose, Benjamin " 

Rose, Charles " 

Rose, George " 

Rose, Alfred Tompkin's Cove 

Rose, Isaac Stony Point 

Riley, Thomas " 

Rose, Abram H " 

Rose, Daniel " 

Rose, Augustus " 

Rose, Benton " 

Rose, Blister " 

Rose, Henry H " 

Rose, Richard 

Rose, Jacob A 

Rose, Brewster 

Rose, Calvin 

Rose, John R 

Rose, Walter 

Rose, Wilmer 

Rose, James H 



u 



128 



STONY POINT ILLUSTRATE©. 



Rose, E. O., Store Stony Point 

Rose, Henry, Jr " 

Rose, Nelson " 

Rose, Paul " 

Rose, Peter " 

Rose, Thomas W 

Rose, Wm. A 

Rose, William 

Rose, Alexander '* 

Rose, Newman " 

Rose, David W 

Rose, William H 

Rose, Warner " 

Rose, Milton " 

Rose, William A., Jr 

Rose, Edward " 

Rose, Abram " 

Rote, Alonzo Dutchess Junction 

Ryan, William Grassy Point 

Rhodes, George Jones' Point 

Roderman, — Tompkin's Cove 

Rose, Albert Stony Point 

Riker, John '' 

Reiley, Patrick " 

Reiley, Michael 

Ryder, Egbert 

Ryder, William " 

Stalter, James K " 

Shair, Conrad " 

Sillsbury, Archie Grassy Point 

Springsteed, Geo Stony Point 

Springstced, Edw'd.. Tompkin's Cove 

Stalter, Elbert Stony Point 

Springsteed, W. A 

Smalley, Samuel " 

Stalter, Nathaniel " 

Stalter, John " 

Stalter, R. B., Store 

Springsteed, Jacob " 

Springsteed, Joseph " 

Springsteed, Samuel " 

Stalter, Nicholas " 

Springsteed, Wm. . . Tompkin's Cove 
Springsteed, George.. " 

Secor, Josiah B Thiells 

Secor, Samuel Stony Point 

Smith, John " 

Smith, John " 

Skerry, William 

Scannell, Howard Jones' Point 

Scannell, Isaac " 

Searing, Walter T. . . Tompkin's Cove 



Stalter, Jacob Stony Point 

Smith, J. J., Rev. ..Tompkin's Cove 

Timothy, Frank Stony Point 

Theill, Matthew " 

Thorpe, Cornelius Jones' Point 

TenEyck, Allison, Jr.... 

Ten Eyck, Edwin Stony Point 

Ten Eyck, Charles... Tompkin's Cove 

Tompkins, Watson IStony Point 

Ten Eyck, Alfred . . .Tompkin's Cove 

Ten Eyok, John Stony Point 

Ten Eyck, Thomas Jones' Point 

Thompson, John Stony Point 

Thompson, E A., Mason 

Tomlins, William Tomiikin's Cove 

Tomlins, Newton ... . " 

Tompkins, Calvin. . .. " 

Thorne, Robert Stony Point 

Termansen, Lawritz " 

Thorne, Albert " 

Toole, John 

Van Wort, John W " 

Van Valer, John K " 

Valentine, Benj. C Garnerville 

Van Wort, Arthur Stony Point 

Vredenburg, Peter " 

Vredenberg, Charles " 

Van Wart, AugustU'^. Tompkin's Cove 

Van Wart, Calvin Stony Point 

Van Wart, Theodore.... " 

Ward, John Grassy Point 

Wheeler, George " 

Waldron, Belden Stony Point 

Wiles, Frank Grassy Point 

Wood, William Stony Point 

Ward, Edward Grassy Point 

Ward, George " 

Ward, Irving " 

Williams, Wesley Stony Point 

Wright, Charles " 

Weyant, William " 

Weyant, Hiram " 

Waters, John " 

Waters, James " 

Welch, Andrew " 

Wood, William 

Wood, George " 

Weyant, E. B 

Wood, Christie .Stony Point 

Watkins, Augustus Jones' Point 

Watkins, Ishmael " 

Watkins, James " 



feiO&RAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1^0 



Waldron, Resolvert Stony Point 

Waldron, Washington.. . . Haverstraw 

Weiant, Wolsey T Stony Point 

Weiant, Geo. B "■ 

Whalen, Gregory Grassy Point 



Wilcox, Stephen Stony Point 

Wiles, Charles J " 

Washburn, U. F 

Williamson, George.. Tompkin's Cove 
Wicks, George L Grassy Point 



Weiant, Geo. W., Att'ny. Haverstraw! Wa-ihburn, Mordicai Stony Point 



Wiles, William H Stony Point 

Wright, William " 

Wiles, Alfred M 

West, James Garner Haverstraw 

Winter, George Grassy Point 

Weiant, .James Tones' Point 

Wood, George S . . . . Tompkin's Cove 



Washburn, Lucien 
Wood, David G. 
Young, John ... 
Young, Lewis. . . 
Young, Charles. 
Young, William. 




CHAPTEE VII. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

|f^|lIE biograpliic sketches in connection witli the names of 
some of tlie citizens are samples of the sketclies which it 
was the purpose of the Author to make, but, owing to the fact 
that persons did not fill the blanks sent them, but few of the 
people have been thus recorded. The alphabetical list appended 
will be of great value for a number of purposes. 

"We think the plan of recording families, as indicated in the 
following brief outline, is suggestive at least, and we indulge the 
hope that the work of the Author, or some such method, to pre- 
serve the genealogy of the people, will be carried to comjjletion 
by some one in the near future. 

GEORGE ASKEW, 

for 18 years one of our leading public instructors, is the son of 
James Askew, of England. His grandfather was named George. 
His mother was Carolina L., the daughter of George W. Burr, of 
Philadelphia. Mr. Askew's children are James, George, Alpha 
L., Carrie B. (Frank, deceased), Ambrose A., Harry G., Laura G, 
and Edith E. He is, at present, under a good salarj' in the 



UO 



sToiifY Point illusteated. 



United States service, as storekeeper in the Custom House — 
Republican and a member of the Episcopal Church. 

BREWSTER J. ALLISON, 

the son of Judge George S. Allison, was born July 5th, 1821. 
He spent his early years in school, and, after completing his edu- 
cation, entered business with his father, at iirst in a store and 
afterwards in the manufacture of brick. For a time he was also 
engaged in land surveying. He is a large land owner, and has 
held many important offices in tlie town and county. He was 
member of the Legislature in 1850. At jiresent he is engaged 
extensively in the brick industry, and in superintending his per- 
sonal and landed estate. He is a man of remarkable business 
tact and integrity, and noted for his liberality. 

CHARLES ALLISON, 

native of Tompkin's County, IST. Y. ; born Dec. 16, 1888 ; dealer in 
sand ; son of William Allison, of Haverstraw, and Ruth Brad- 
bury ; grandfather, Benjamin, son of Michael Allison ; brother's 
name, John Wesley AlKson ; second wife, Susie Terwilliger, 
daughter of John R. Terwilhger. His family consists of two 
children, Melissa by first wife and Clarence by second wife. Son- 
in-law, John Jones, father of one child named Bertha. Mr. Alli- 
son adheres to the Methodist Church, and is a Republican in 
politics. 




HANFORD BARTON, 



a butcher by trade, was born at Cornwall, Orange County, Feb. 



MoGEAtTItCAL SKETCHES. 



IM 



SO, 1832, and is the son of Gilbert C. Barton and grandson of 
Roger Barton, of the same county. His mother was Ann P. 
E-jer ; his brothers and sisters were Wilham, Alanson, Charles, 
Mary and Adaline. Mr. Barton married Martha, the daughter of 
James Hazard, Feb. 10, 1864, and the children living are Ella M., 
Emma J. and Bertha. James is the son of a former wife. Mr. 
Barton is a Republican, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 




STOKY rOINT AVENUE, LOOKING WEST. 
LOUIS BOWER, 

an experienced moulder in Wiles' manufactory, is the son of John 
Bower (deceased), and was born Sejjt. 15, 1852. His mother was 
Elizabeth Boldauf . Both parents are natives of Germany. The 
brothers and sisters of Mr. Bower are John, George, Charles, 
David, Catharine, Elizabeth, Carrie and Amelia. March 3rd, 
18Y5, Mr. Bower married Miss Cassie, daughter of Jacob Dins- 
dorf (deceased). The living children of these parents are John 
J. and Willis D. Bower. Mr. Bower is a Methodist. 

ALEX. S. BULSON, 

a boat captain of great experience, and one of the most worthy 



1S2 Sl-ONY POINT il.LtJSTRATEt). 

citizens, was born April 13, 1821. His father's name was John, 
and his grandfather's, Alax. His great-grandfather was a native 
of Holland, and assisted in the erection of the first chnrch in New 
York city, the brick and tiling having been bronght from Holland. 
His mother was Catherine Dykens, and was French. Tlie name 
of Mrs. Bulson is Martha, the daughter of Andrew Rose. The 
children are John, Edgar, Henry, Edmund and Dora. The grand- 
children are Alonzo, Mattie, William, Edith, Martha, Alfred, and 
Eva K. (deceased.) 

WM. B. CAVEL 

was born Sept. 14, I860, in the town of Marquette, Mich. His 
father, Wm. Cavel, died in the late war. Mr. Cavel is a telegraph 
operator, and at present engaged in keeping a meat market on 
corner of Hudson Street and Stony Point Avenue. 

JAMES CONKLIN, 

a man of sterling moral and l:>usiness integrity, commenced life 
without means, and is now, in good circumstances, residing at 
Dutchess Junction. Mr. Conklin was early connected with the 
history of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife was Miss 
Charlotte Knapp, the daughter of Colonel Robert Knapp. Mrs. 
Conklin is one of nine children, and of a family widely known. 

ALONZO DYKENS, 

a clerk in the store of D. Tomkins & Sons, is the son of Abra- 
ham Dykens. He was born Feb. 19, 1854. His father was born 
E^ovember 11:, 1826 ; and his mother, Nancy McLary, was born 
January 4, 1826. The brothers of Alonzo are George W, and 
Edgar (deceased). Mr. Dykens was married to Miss Elma C, the 
daughter of James B. Hoyt, Dec. 31, 1879. The children's names 
are Elma C. and Susie Dykens. Republican in politics ; churcli, 
Methodist Episcopal. 

DR. N. GAEBISON 

is a practising physician of the town. By careful attention to 
business he has acquired considerable estate. His residence is one 
mile north of the village of Stonv Point. He has an extended 



BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 133 

practice, having traveled tlie same parish for thirty years. His 
father, an eminent practitioner, preceded him here. 

WM. E. GARRISON, 

native of Fort Montgomery, born April 7, 1818 — son of James 
Garrison and Elizabeth House, Mr. Garrison is a sailor by pro- 
fession, and has been a life-long resident of this county. His 
grandfather, Isaac Garrison, lived at Quemans, near Albany, and 
his great-grandfather came from Low Dutch. His grandmother, 
Elizabeth Koofort, also of Dutch descent. 

He had but one brother and no sister. Brother's name, 
Moses ; dead three years. Wife's name, Elizabeth Cronk. Fam- 
ily consists of Elizabeth, Emily, Martha and Mary Ann ; son-in- 
law, George I. ; grandchild, Addie Georgia I. He adheres to the 
Episcopal Church, and a Democrat in politics. Mr, Garrison has 
furnished a short sketch as tradition. 

JAS, H, HAZAKD, 

born Orange Co., Aug. 15, 1837, is a butcher by trade. His father 
is James Hazard ; his grandfather was James, and his grand- 
mother's name was Martha Gould, of Blackrock, Conn., of Eng- 
lish descent ; his mother's maiden name was Sarah Cornell, a rela- 
tive of Gov. Cornell ; tlie grandmother, on mother's side, was 
Ellenor Hunt. His brothers are Benjamin and William Daniel. 
Neither of them ever " smoked, chewed, or drank." His wife's 
name was (Emma) Weiley, daughter of James Weiley, of Corn- 
wall. They were married Nov. 18, 1863. Their children are 
Mary, Alice, Lizzie, Robert and William. Republican, adheres 
to Friends (Quakers). 

WM. F, HOLT, 

a shopkeeper and confectioner on Stony Point Avenue, was born 
in Kew York city, and is the son of Thomas P. Holt (deceased), 
who was a native of Ontario and born 1821, His grandparents 
were B, F, Goodspeed, of New York city, and Alma Parker ; his 
brothers are Albert M., Thomas and Edwin. Prohibitionist ; 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

CHAS, S. HARRISON, 

an extensive furniture dealer in Jersey City, born in Kent, Eng., 



134 



STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 



...■'"' v.- 




STONY POINT AVENUE, LOOKING EAST. 

February 7, 1837, is tlie son of John, who was born in Norwich, 
March 10, 1S02, and the grandson of Charles Harrison of the 
same place in England, the birth of the latter being 1756. Mr. 

Harrison's mother was Sarah Parker, of Canterbury ; one of the 
grandmothers was a Scoiield, born in Norwich, Eng,, April 7, 
1777. The brothers are John, George and Henry ; the sisters, 
Sarah and Elizabeth ; children of Mr. Harrison, by iirst marriage, 
are Charles, John, William and Alice ; daughters-in-law, Kate and 
Francina ; the grand-children are Charles, Mabel, Ella, May. The 
second marriage, to Miss Abbie H., daughter of Peter Lyke, oc- 
curred July 4, 1883. Prohibitionist ; adherent Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 

.lOHN A. HELVIN, 

a native of Prince George County, Va., was born June 1(), 1847. 
His father was G. W. Helviii, who was born in Sussex Co., Va., 
Sept. 22, 1818, and was the son of an Englishman by name of 
George Thadeous Helvin. The great-grandfather's name was also 
George. No record remains of the locality of the birth of the two 
last named. 



BIoaRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 135 

Mr. Kelvin's motlier, Harriet R. Perkins, wlio still resides 
with him in Haverstraw, was the daughter of Lucy Clayton Per- 
kins, and was born in Dinwiddle Co., Va,, Aug. 13, 1818, her 
mother, Lucy Clayton, having Ijeen horn in the same county, Oct. 
22, 1789. Mr. Kelvin's great-grandmother was Ann Robertson 
liirby, of Brunswick Co., Va. The brothers of Mr. John K. Kel- 
vin are James F. and George W., and his sister is Lucy Ann. Mrs. 
J. K. Kelvin was Miss Martha L., daughter of Samuel P. Foster, 
and took the hand of Mr. Kelvin, March 15, 1871. The children 
are Alfred Lee, Gracie E., Mamie, Nellie, Ernest, Leslie, and 
Jas. Kerbert. Prohibitionist and Methodist in earnest. 

JAS. E. HAMMOND, 

a contractor and mason, has a Hberal education, is a good clerk, 
and is succeeding in business. Ke resides in his own house near 
West Shore, West Kaverstraw. Ke is a brother of William K. 
Kammond, and the son of Edmond J. Kannnond and Rachel 
Knapp. Ke married Phoebe, the daughter of Oscar Wood, Nov. 
30, 1882. Ke is identified with the M. E. Church, being one of 
its honored and faithful supporters. 

DANIEL HAZARD, 

a successful butcher of the place, was born in Orange Co., April 
17, 1844, is the son of James Hazard and the brother of Benja- 
min, William and James. His sisters are Mary W., Charlotte C, 
Elenor, Martha and Sarah Jane. His wife, Augusta 11., whom 
he married Aug. 30, 1865, was the daughter of Foster D. Birdsall 
and Mary Ann Young. The sons of Mr. and Mrs. Hazard are 
George B., deceased, and Frank Foster, who is in business with 
his father. Republican, voted Prohibition ; brought up Quaker ; 
attends M. E. Church. 

ABRAHAM HURD, 

an experienced brick maker and foreman, was born Nov. 13, 1838, 
and is the son of Wm. Kurd and the grandson of John Kurd. 
His mother was Catharine Odell. His grandmother, Ruth Con- 
ley, of Orange County. His l)rotlier and sisters are Wm. Kurd, 
Adelia March and Catharine Wood. His wife's name was Ann, 



13f> STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

the daughter of John C. Miller. The marriage of Mr. and Mi-.s. 
Hurd is dated Oct. 24, 1860 ; their children are Matthew, Wni. 
J., David, Sarah and Carrie. Republican; P. Metliodist, 

ADDISON JOHNSON, 

deceased, was born in the town of Haverstraw, Jan. 20, 1841, and 
married Adeha, the daughter of Wm. Ilurd, March 29, 18()2. 
His father was Charles and his grandfather James Johnson ; his 
mother's maiden name was Fanny Adams ; his brothers are Har- 
rison, Walter and Wesley ; the sisters, Louise and Abigail. Mr. 
Johnson's children are Cassie, Agnes and Charles. Miss Agnes 
married Samuel Blauvelt. The grandchildren are Lillian M. and 
Edward Blauvelt. The politics of Mr. Johnson were Republican. 
He was a member of the M. E» Church. 

WM. J. JONES, 

born in Hempstead, Rockland Co., N. Y., and is about 69 years 
of age. His father was John B. and grandfather Benjamin Jones. 
The mother of Mr. Jones was Gersiah Odell, of Canterbury, 
Orange Co. ; the brothers are Alfred, Clinton, Benjamin ; the 
sisters, Sally, Ann, Betsy, Emeline and Rebecca. He married 
Abigail, daughter of Abraham Jones, July 5, 1847 ; the children 
are Daniel, Wm. L., Benjamin, Susan, Rebecca, Emeline ; sons- 
in-law, Wm. Yeomans, Ed. Hoyt. Democrat. 

DANIEL KEESLER 

was born in Newark, IST. J., July 25, 1839. His trade is that of 
house, sign and ornamental painter, and keeps supplies for house 
furnishing, hardware, etc. His mother's maiden name Mary E. 
(luiler ; her birthplace was Amsterdam, Germany ; she is a wo- 
man of rare intellect and business capacity. The sisters of Daniel 
are Julia, Mary, M argaret and Elizabeth. Mr. Keesler was married 
to Miss Eliza A., daughter of Nicholas Stalter, July 3d, 1860. The 
children are H. Louisa, Lizzie, Edward D., Freddie and Harry. 
In politics Prohibitionist, and a Presbyterian. 

KNAPP 

is German. Albert Knapp, the German poet, was a native of 
Wurtemburg, Germany. Chauncey L. Knapp, editor of the Ver- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 137 

mont State Journal^ held many prominent positions of State. 
Geo. Christian Knapp was a German Tlieologian, and an author 
of " Lectures on Theology." Jacob Knapp was a second Moody, 
having, during 12 years, made 100,000 converts to religion. 

John Knapp, son of Abraham Knapp, was the son of Lebius, 
who was a native of Horseneck, Conn. Mr. Knapp was born July 
17, 1810. He followed the butcher business for 30 years. His 
brothers are Samuel, Henry and Levi; the sisters are Kachel, 
Elizabeth and Adelia. Mr. Knapp enjoys a comfortable income, 
and is remarkably vigorous for a man of his age. 

COL. ROBERT KNAPP 

was a man of some note in Rockland. He died Feb. 19, 1859, 
aged 65 years. His military career extended to a command of the 
Regiment of Rockland County. At his funeral the Stony Point 
Guards turned out in a body. His funeral sermon was preached 
by Rev. F. S. Wolf, pastor of the Creek Church. 

JOHN p. LINKLETTER, 

a native of Stony Point, born Aug. 29, 1836; son of George J. 
Linkletter, born at Haverstraw, Sept. 5, 1795, and Rachel Weiant, 
also of Haverstraw, born April 11, 1799. His grandparents were 
John Linkletter and Susan Yanhorne, both of Ramapo ; great- 
grandfather probably Scotch ; his brothers names are William and 
George, brothers to Catherine, Martha and Mary Elizabeth. He 
married Emma Knowlton, daughter of James Knowlton, Jan. 12, 
1858 ; his family consists of two sons, James K. and William R. ; 
he has one daughter-in-law, Cassie Hoyt, and one grandchild, 
Pearl, lie adhere to the Methodist Church, and is a Republican 
Prohibitionist. 

ISAAC N. LEMMON, 

born at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, July 24, 1851. Mr. Lemmon is a 
farmer by profession, and has a family consisting of two children, 
Mary Adelia and Catherine Estella. He married Rebecca A. 
June, daughter of Ethiel June, in Sept., 1872. His ancestors 
were — father, Moses Lemmon, born in Harrison Co., Ohio, 1818 ; 
grandfather, Jacob Lemmon ; great-grandfather, Abraham Lem- 



138 



STONY POINT ILLUSTBATED. 




RESIDENCES ON STONY POINT AVENUE, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 139 

moil ; mother, Mary Ann Allen, born in Harrison Co., Ohio ; 
grandmother, Mary Marqnhart, born in Virginia in 1785. His 
brothers' names are Allen B., William, Chas. S. and Edgar, with 
one sister, Clara. Independent Republican in politics. 

JOHN T. LEACH, 

of Welliiigham, Cambridgeshire, England, a skillful mechanic and 
woodworker in the extensive machine manufactory of A. M. tk; 
"W. H. Wiles, was born Nov. 5th, 1832. His father was Richard 
Leach, of the same place, and his mother's name was Rntli Fen, 
also of Wellingham. The brothers of Mr. Leach are Charles and 
Elijah ; the sisters, Eliza, Lizzie and Anna. Jnly 2, 1860, he married 
Martha, the daughter of James Miller. His children are Charles 
R. L., Martha E., George A., Frederick J., Frank, Maggie and 
Sarah. Martha E. married Charles Convoy. Politics, Republi- 
can ; chnrch, Presbyterian. 

JEREMIAH MERRITT 

was born at Monroe, Orange Co., N. Y., June 25th, 1836. He is 
a blacksmith and an anthracite furnaceman. His father's name 
was Abraham ; his grandfather's name was Jeremiah ; his great- 
rii leather's name was Abraham; his mother was Ehzabeth 
Conklin, daughter of Elizabeth Odell, of Orange Co., N. Y. ; his 
brothers are Abram, Peter D., William, Samuel and Charles ; 
sisters, Caroline, Sarah and Alice, two of whom are deceased. He 
married Lucy Ann, daughter of Isaac Coe, July 3rd, 1857 ; his 
children are Sarah J., Mary M., Martha A., Francis D., Emma 
v., Libbie, Annie A., Wm. H. ; sons-in-law, Wm. A. Dare, Jas. 
Hillard, Wm. Quelch. Joseph Washburn, Daniel Barton, and 
William Allen, deceased. 

ABRM. D. MARKS, 

born Westchester Co., March 19, 1822 ; painter ; son of Moses I. 
Marks, of Sing Sing, 1792; his mother's name was Rebecca 
Clark, who was born in Delaware, 1794. He married Jane V., 
daughter of Benj. Colter, April, 1841, and has children, viz., 
Anna, Richard and Adaline ; sons-in-law, Joseph F. Umpleby and 
Geo. W. Farmer. Politics, Republican ; church, Presbyterian 



140 



STOXY 7'OINT ILLFSTKATED. 



Enlisted in late war, Aug. 29, 1861. In battles on Potomac, Han- 
cock, Bolivier Heights, Charleston, Slaughter Mountain, on the 
Rapahannock ; in Libby and Belle Island Prisons 37 days ; with the 
writer in Cliancellorville, May 1, 2, and 3, wliei-e he lay wounded 
on the Held 12 days ; in hospital 11 months ; discharged, April 8, 
1864 ; Sept., 1877, had a ball taken from his side, having carried 
it, under much suffering, for 14 years. He is worthily pensioned. 




RESIDENCE OF MR. R. B. MARKS. 
K. B. MAKKS 

was born July 12, 1830 ; he is the son of Alfred Marks, who was 
born at Peekskill ; the grandfather of P. B. was Michael, of Lon- 
don, Eng.; the mother of Mr. Marks was Mary Brewster, a native 
of Stony Point, and descended from one of the iirst families of the 
Revolutionary days ; a grandmother's maiden name was Johaveth 
Isaacs, (jf (N)nnecticut. Mr. Marks married Miss Catherine 
Marks, the daughter of Sampson Marks, Nov. 12, 1851 ; the 
children are Charles and George, who are in business here, and 



BIOGRAl'lIICAL SKKTCIIKS. • 141 

Annie J., tlie wife of Sidney Witkowsky, resident and in mer- 
cantile business, C^hicago, 111. Mr. George married Estelle Lent, 
and Charles, Miss Johannali Ossman. The grandchild is Annie 
J. Mr. Marks has done vahmhle services as overseer of the poor 
and commissioner in the county. 

WALTER M. MC BRIDE, 

son of Walter McBride, Avas born in New York city, March 27, 
1824- ; his grandparents were from Virginia ; l)rotliers, Andrew 
Jackson McBride and George Washington McBride ; he married 
Amelia, daughter of David Johnson, in IS-tT; the children's 
names are Elizabeth, Susan and Walter ; son-in-law, George M. 
Raymond. M. E. Church, and is a Prohibitionist. 

WM. I. OWENS, 

born at Newburg, June 18, 1828, and is the son of Jonathan 
Owens, who was born June 28, 1786, and grandson of James. 
Mr. Owens' mother was Elizabeth, the daughter of Keriah Innis, 
of Scotland, and born Oct. 12, 17B<>. The brothers were Reuben 
H. and Jas. H. ; the sisters, Elizabeth, (Catherine H., Sarah L. 
and Keriza A. Mr. Owens and Miss Rachel A. Phillips, the 
daughter of James E. Phillips, were joined in marriage Aug. 4, 
1849 ; the names of their children are George S., Susana E., 
Alsi M. and Justien A. The only survivor is Alsi, who married 
Miss Annie Babcock ; the names of the grandchildren are John 
M. and Lucretia. Politics, Temperance ; church, M. E. 

JOHN W. PHILLIPS, SR., 

born April 19, 1831, a boatman by trade, is the son of George 
Phillips and grandson of Daniel P. Phillips and J. L. Knapp, 
and great-grandson of Daniel Phillips. His mother's name was 
Knapp, and grandmother's Hannah Osborn ; he married Sarah, 
daughter of Wm. Hill, Nov. 11th, 1852 ; the children are Daniel, 
Hannah, Alonzo and John W. ; son-in-law, John W. Webber ; 
grandchildren, Arthur, Harry and Albert. Politics, a Jackson 
Democrat ; Protestant. 

JOHN W. PHILLIPS, JR., 

a salesman, son of J. W. Phillips and Sarah Hill, and brother to 
Daniel and Alonzo, and Hannah. Politics, neutral ; Protestant. 



142 STONY POINT ILLUSTKATElfi. 



WM. PHILLIPS, 



born Haverstraw, 1819, biitclier, tlie son of Jas. E., grandson of 
Eli, and great-grandson of Jolm, of Holland ; liis mother was 
Susanna Burd, his grandmother Rachel Ilalsted ; the brothers 
were Charles, John and Thomas ; sisters, Esther, Hannah, Ann 
Elizabeth, Rachel. His first wife was Maria, daughter of Henry 
Essex; the second wife, Lizzie Blauvelt, Children by first wife, 
James, Henry, Mary Ann, Ellen Maria, Selina, George ; son-in- 
law, Jacob Engle, whose son, Willie, is the only grandson of Mr. 
Phillips. Prohibition (Rep.) ; adheres to M. E. Clrarch. 

ROSE 

is from Dutch Rozee, the favorite name of a female. The French 
word Rozet is pronounced ro-ze^ 

ALAX. ROSE, 

the son of Alax. Rose and Nancy Springsteed, is a member of the 
firm of Reilly & Rose, who are successful brick manufacturers. 
He is a grandson of Jacob Rose, and his great-grandfather was of 
Revolutionary notoriety ; his mother is the faithful keeper of the 
Lighthouse, and has been so for 31 years ; he is a descendant of 
the Parkerson and Storms families ; his sisters are Lavinia and 
Melinda. Republican ; Presbyterian. 

WM. A. ROSE, 

son of Elester Rose, was born Dec. lOtli, 1860, and is the grand- 
son of Moses Marks ; his mother's maiden name was Frances M. 
Marks. Sept. 5th, 1885, Mr. Rose was married to Miss Maggie, 
the daughter of ]*^elson Cropman ; the name of their child is Helen, 
Mr. Rose's brothers and sisters are Oscar E., Edwin O., Louis A., 
Robt. F., Lottie R., and Edith A. Prohibitionist ; M. E. Church. 

THOMAS REILLY, 

born in Ireland in 1843, is the son of James Reilly, who was born 
in the same country in 1 79 1 ; his mother's maiden name was Mary 
Fitzsimmons, born 1806 ; Phillip, Michael, James, Patrick, Julia 
and Bridget are his brothers and sisters. Mr. Reilly is in the pro- 
fitable business of brick making, and forms a part of the firm of 
Reilly & Clark. Democrat ; Rom. Catholic. 



BIOftRAPIITCAL SKETCHES. 14?> 

WM. ROSE, 

brother of James H. Rose, tlie linsband of Catlierine E. Linklet- 
ter, who was the daughter of George J. Linkletter. The marriage 
of Mr. Rose occm-red April 1?>, IS^T ; the children are Ada M. 
Wanamaker, Laura Ferguson, Arnold B., and Wm. W. Rose ; 
the son-in-law is John Ferguson, children are Willie and Johnnie. 
Church, M. E. 

KEV. OLIVER RYDER, 

born in Orange County, July 18, 1828; received local preacher's 
license, 1857 ; connected with Tompkin's Cove Protestant Metho- 
dist Church. He is son of William Ryder, whose father was 
Jacob, and grandfather's name was Linous ; Mr. Ryder's mother's 
name was Frances .1. Clark, of same county, and she was the 
daughter of IJalherin Potter ; the l)rothers were Jacob, Clark, 
William ; the sisters, Sarah, Jane, Martha His wife was Mary, 
daughter of Charles Yan W art ; the children are William, Eg- 
bert, Oliver, Cecilia, Laura ; son-in-law, T. F. Macmannas ; daugh- 
ters-in-law, Josephine and Ida S. ; the grandchildren are Lillie, 
Lulu, Oeorge, Edith, Oscar, Oliver B. Prohibitionist. 

ALONZO ROSE, 

a native, but now residing at Duchess Junction, was born 1840, and 
is the son of J. 11 Rose and Rebecca Knapp. The names of his 
grandfathers are Henry Rose and Abel Knapp; Mrs. Abbey Phillips 
was his grandmother. His only brother is IS^ewman ; the sisters 
are Almira Fales, Abby, wife of Capt. Jas. Leet, and Mary. Mr. 
Rose married Miss Emma J. Wilkins, Nov. 22, 1865 ; the children 
born to them are Irving J. and Alonzo Iv. He is a success- 
ful brick manufacturer. The citizens of Stony Point reluc- 
tantly parted with the family when they removed to Dutchess 
Junction. Prohibitionist ; Methodist. 

.TAMES ROSE, 

born July 4, 1855, is the son of Alfred Rose, who was the son of 
Henry ; his mother's maiden name was Rachel Jones ; the grand- 
mother of Mr. Rose was Mary Dykins ; the only brother of James 
is Alfred ; the sisters are Anna, Carrie and Minnie. He married 



144 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATE!). 

Miss Dora Bulson, the daugliter of Alax. J. Bulson ; the wedding 
day was July 4, 1878 ; the children are Martlia, Alfred, Eva K., 
deceased. Politics, neutral ; church, M. E. 

NELSON ROSE, 

a native of this town, was born in the year 1846 — Oct. 27. He 
is a captain of a schooner, having earned the reputation of a good 
boatman. He is the son of Henry H. Rose, who was born in 
1807 ; the grandfather was also Henry H., and was the descendant 
of Jacob Rose, the Revolutionary patriot boy. The maiden name 
of his mother was Catherine Jones, whose birthday dates back to 
1819. Mr. N. Rose and wife, Jane Stalter, were married Feb. 2, 
1870 ; the children born to them are Marvin and _Elbert Rose. 
Prohibitionist, and belongs to the M. E. Church. 

WM. H. ROSE, 

born at Stony Point, i IST. Y . ; son of William Rose and Rachel 
Walton. He was at first engaged in the brick industry of our 
town, and later on abandoned it and became a carriage maker in 
the metropolis. He has had charge of the Presbyterian Sabbath 
School about fifteen years, having been absent but one Sabbath, 
except when kept away by sickness. About five hundred scholars 
have been connected with the school, and of this number about 
ninety per cent, are or have been connected in the churches of 
this or other places. His brothers are Edward, Samuel P., Hi- 
ram, Walton and Thomas ; sisters, Catherine, Caroline, Phoebe and 
Elmira ; wife, Hannah Rebecca Bourse. H is family consists of 
three children, Miriam, Martha and Sarah Elizabeth. Sons-in- 
law, Rev. Julius L. Banner and Minott M. Govan ; grandchildren, 
Edgar Wm., Henry Rose, and Julius L. Banner, Jr., Edith. 
Louise and Jennie Govan. Belongs to the Presbyterian Church, 
and is a Rej)ublican. 

WALTER T. SEARING, 

a successful merchant, is the son of Warren Searing, a native of 
IS^ewark, N. J., who was born there July 1st, 1810, being the son 
of James Searing, of Lyons Farm, N. J. Walter was born at 
Tompkin's Cove, his residence, July 13, 1846. His mother's 



BtOGRAl^tliCAt SKETCHES. 145 

name before marriage was Mary Machette, also of ISTewark, and 
born Nov. 1st, 1818. The name of one of liis grandmother's was 
Elizabeth Dunham, of Westfield, N. J. Mr. Searing has one 
brother, Edwin, his sisters being Cornelia, Mary, Laura, Cassie, 
Cecilia, Anna. First wife was Mintie Kirby, daughter of Daniel 
Kirby. The marriage to Miss Kirliy occurred Sept. 10th, 1868. 
Second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Kev. Wm. W. AIcNair, 
the wedding day having been May 10, 1876. The last wife has 
also died recently. The children of Mr. Searing are Esther, 
Mary, Louise, Miutie and Earnest. Rep. ; M. P. Chnrch. 

NICHOLAS STALTER, 

an experienced brick burner, is the son of Nicholas Stalter, who 
was a native of Nova Scotia. His mother was Rachel Baislev, 
the daughter of Wm. Baisley. The brother of Mr. Stalter is 
Brewster ; his sister's name is Catherine. The present wife, whom 
he married Feb. 3, 1864, is the daughter of Mr. Bnlson. The 
children by his first wife are Eliza, the wife of D. Keesler ; Theo- 
dore, Amelia, Brewster, Jane, the wife of Nelson Rose ; R. B., 
the storekeeper, and Elbert. An only son of the last wife is 
Fred. There are three sons-in-law, five danghters-in-law, and 21 
grand children. In politics, Democrat ; church adherent, Metho- 
dist Episcopal. 

RICHARD B. STALTER, 

native of Stony Point, born JaiL 12, 1852. Mr. Stalters' j)arents 
were Nicholas, son of Nicholas Stalter and Hannah Brewster, 
both of Stony Point, N. Y. His brothers' names are Theodore 
Brewster, Elbert and Freddie ; sisters, Eliza A., Margaret, Jane 
and Amelia. He took the hand of Abbie, daughter of William 
Cosgrove, in marriage April 29, 1872 ; their four children are 
Maud, Hattie, Walter and Jennie. Mr. Staltar is a merchant of 
our village, and a Democrat in politics ; and a Presbyterian. 

JOHN TEN EYCK 

resides on Stony Point, overlooking King's Ferry He was born 
Jan. 22, 1814, and was the son of David Ten Eyck. His mother's 
maiden name was Elizabeth Babcock. One of his grandmotliers 



146 STONY POINT ILLrSTRATP^D. 

was an Allison. His hrothors are Thomas and James ; sister, 
Harriet Gains. He married Sept. 24, 1846, Hannali W , the 
daughter of Lewis Constant. Mr. Ten Eyck has had the advan- 
tage of travel and extensive observation. Has a good memory ; 
is a son of one of the early settlers. A Repnhliean ; Protestant. 

LAURITZ TERMANSEN, 

born in Denmark, Jnly 12, 1847. He is an extensive honse decor- 
ator, doing business in N^ew York city. His father's name is 
Lauritzen, the grandfather and great-grandfather bearing the same 
name. Mr. Termansen's mother was Amy Larsen, the daughter 
of Karen Neilsen, the daughter of Amy Mortensen. The brother 
and sister of Mr. Termansen are Peter and Karen Termansen, all 
of Denmark. Mrs. Leine Termansen is the daughter of Conrad 
Young, deceased, their marriage having taken place April 20, 18Y8. 
The child's name is Clare Adeline. In politics, Independent ; 
Presbyterian Church. 

WATSON TOMKINS 

is a native of Newai'k, N. J.; born May 5th, 1829. He is the son 
of Daniel Tomkins, and considered one of the representative busi- 
ness men of our town. His father first settled at Tompkin's 
Cove, and it was here that Watson began his business career. A 
few years later he engaged in the manufacture of brick, and is 
now the possessor of valuable clay beds along the beach. It was 
through his influence and zeal for the welfare of the public that 
our beautiful West Shore Station was built. He gives employ- 
ment to a large number of men, and is a man of generous impulses. 

HON. WESLEY .T. WEIANT, 

deceased, was born in 1811, and was of French and German ex- 
traction. He was the son of George Weiant and Catherine Wal- 
dron, his father having died in the year 1855. In 1836 he mar- 
ried Miss Catherine Rose, daughter of Jacob, the son of the Re- 
volutionary Jacob Rose, a sketch of whose experience we have 
preserved. Mr. Weiant was intimately acquainted with the af- 
fairs of the jjublic, and served as supervisor in 1857 and was 
elected to the Legislature of New York in 1859, where he served 



fiiOGteAtlltcAL SR1?TctTEi?. 147 

on important committees and made an address which produced a 
profound impression. He was a man of more tlian ordinary legal 
mind, and was an able man in address in the various services in 
the M. E. Church, to which he was zealously attached for many 
years. He died during the summer of 1886 from an accident of 
falling from a tree. His line property, now occupied by the 
widow, is offered for sale. An engraving of it appears in one of 
our groups. 

sam'l p. wood, 

a carpenter, the son of Jacob Wood of Westchester Co., was born 
in this town. His mother's name was Mary Peterson, also of 
Westchester. One of the grandparents was Francis Walker, who 
was born in Grantham, England, in 1789. The brothers of Mr. 
Wood are Eenj. F., Wm. E., Geo. A. ; the sisters are Sarali F. 
Lucinda and Mary E. Prohibition and Methodist. 

E. B. WEIANT, 

painter, born Sept. 20, 1848. Jan. 29, 1867, he was married to 
Miss Maggie L. Stephens, the daughter of Stephen Stejjhens, an 
Englishman. The living children of Mr. Weiant are Elizabeth, 
Eva L., Yioletta and Gerald Edward. Mr. Weiant served in the 
late war ; received injuries, from which he has suffered, and on 
which account he is now a pensioner He is in active relation 
with the M. E. Church, and Sunday School superintendent. Re- 
publican and Prohibition. 

SPENCER J. WEIANT, 

born Dec. 6, 1864, is the son of Spencer J. and grandson of 
Abrm. Weiant, and great-grandson of Geo. Weiant. His mother's 
name was Annie E. Yan Pelt ; his grandmother and great-grand- 
mother were Clarisa Weiant and Mary Hazard, both of Orange 
Co. His brothers are Alfred and Frank. Mr. Weiant is a suc- 
cessful railroad clerk in the employ of the great West Shore. 

GEO. L. WICKS, 

an enterprising boat builder at Grassy Point, is the son of Geo. 
L. Wicks and Clarsie Thing, all of Long Island. Mr. Wicks was 



14S 



STONY POINT ILLtTSTRATEB. 




GRASSY POINT, LOOKING WEST. 

born Feb. Ifi, 184H. His grandfather was Robt. L. and great- 
grandfather Lewis Wicks. They were English. Tlie brothers of 
Mr. Wicks are Thomas W. and Wm. Wicks ; the sisters, Mary 
and AHce. His second marriage was Jan. 2, 1873, to Henrietta 
L., the danghter of John Mahan. The snrviving children are 
Lucy, Ella and Geo. L. Wicks. Independent ; a member of the 
M. E. Church. 

ALFRED M. WILES, 

born in London, England, Jan. 13, 1829. His father was John J. 
Wiles, and his mother Ann M. Kames ; she was born February 3, 
1796. The brothers and sisters are Joseph K., Wm, H., Freder- 
ick J., Elizabeth, Emma S. and Harriet. Mr. Wiles married Miss 
Catherine, the daughter of Jacob Blauvelt, Nov. 26, 1853. The 
children are Rhoda A., Edwin L. and Maggie. Mr. Wiles is 
jDopularly known as the head of the firm known as A. M. & W. 
H. Wiles. Their manufactory is without a peer in their line. A 
Democrat. 

W. H. WILES, 

of the firm of A. M. & W. H. Wiles, is a brother of Alfred M., 
whose birth and ancestry will explain his. Mr. Wiles is a genius 
and well read, as is his brother Alfred. Li the year 1850, Aug. 11, 
Wm. Wiles married Mary E., the daughter of Jacob Fredrick. 



SELF-MADE MEN. 149 

The children are John J., Fredi-ick J , Mary S., Francis E , Lydia 
A., Martlia L , Emma L. and Fannie J. The sons-in-law are the 
Hon. Alonzo Wheeler and David R. Wadsworth ; danghters-in- 
law, M. Clara Hazard, Kate M. Brooks, Mary B Hose ; the grand- 
children are Jeanie S., Jessie L , Ethel M., Jay B. and Florence 
A. Democrat ; Presbyterian. 

CHAS. J. WILES, 

born April 8, 1846, at Balmville, near Newburgh ; l)y profession 
a pattern maker, employed at Wiles. He is the son of Jos. K, 
Wiles and Elizabeth Thomas. His father is English ; his mother 
a native of Orange Co. The grandfather was John J. Wiles. 
His sisters are Eliza J., Mary E., Ella and Hattie. His marriage 
to Miss Adelia B., daughter of VV. F. B. Gurnee, occurred Oct. 
10, 1873. The children are Joseph K., Ella B. and Susie D. 
Republican ; adheres to Pres. Church. (See cut of house.) 



CHAPTER YIII. 

SELF-MADE MEN. 



J. J. SMITH, M. A., D. D., 




^ASTOR of the Tonipkin's Cove Methodist Protestant 
Church, is spending a fourth term of pastorate with his 
present church, making in all eleven years. 

Mr. Smith is a man of literarv attainments, and has written 
extensively on travel and science. He was elected, without his 
knowledge, a meml)er of "• The American Institute of Christian 
Philosophy," in New York. The high honor of his election was 
on account of his wn-itings, which appeared from time to time in 
the SclejitifiG Arena. 

More recently he was^ officially notitied of his having been 



150 STONl' POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

elected, for the same reason, to a Fellowship in the Society of 
Science, Letters and Art of London. 

He was born in Atlantic Co., N. J., Feb. 3d, 1817. Con- 
verted Sept. 10, 1832, and joined his present denomination. Pie 
was licensed May 9th, 1835, and joined the Itineracy in 183H. 
Has been a member of his Conference 48 years, and its president 
altogether over 9 years. He represented his Conference in Gen- 
eral Conference and Conventions 12 different times. He appeared 
among the fraternal delegates in the General Conference of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in Cincinnatti, 1880. He has been 
an honored Trustee of Adrian College since 1866. In 1884 the 
Doctor was elected to a Professorshij) in Florida University, but 
preferred the regular ministry. 

WILLIAM GO VAN, A. M., M. D., 

was born at Barnet, in Vermont, August 12th, 1818, His father, 
Andrew, son of William Govan, was a native of Scotland, and 
came to America about 1815. His mother was Jane, the daugh- 
ter of Robert Stark. His early years were spent in striving for 
an education. A graduate of Dartmouth College in 1839, he 
afterwards received the degree of M. D. from the New York Med- 
ical College in J 854, and soon after came to Stony Point, the 
chosen field of his life-work. He has held many worthy offices 
in both town and county, and is a member of several Medical 
Societies. He is at present a member of the Rockland County His- 
torical Association and President of the Board of Education here. 
He married Lucia J. Mitchell, the daughter of Chaucey R. Mit- 
chell, late of Peekskill, N. Y. Their children have been two 
sons and a daughter. 

WM. K. HAMMOND, 

the subject of this sketch, was born in the town of Haverstraw. 
His father, Edmund J., who was born in 1822 at Croton, West- 
chester Co., and died when William K. was young. At 10 years 
of age young William engaged to work for a farmer. The fol- 
lowing season he followed boating, and worked on the brick yard 
one year later. Seeing the business qualities in the boy, his uncle, 



SKLF-MADE MEN. 151 

Wm. R. Knapp, took him into liis store at Kni2;lit's Corner. By 
the recommendation of Wni. R. Knapp, Mr. Hammond received 
a sitnation with the iirm of Hoagland tfe Bell, 'No. 330 West 
Street, New York, where he remained six years, and having re- 
ceived their conlidence, was promoted to a managing clerkship of 
the lirni. He was then sent for by the firm of (.^andee, Smith & 
Co., which was at that time the largest mercantile iirm in the build- 
ing material business in New York city. With this company he 
remained two years. 

In 1873 Mr. Hammond married Miss Elizabeth C. Taylor, 
the daughter of Wm. Taylor and Elizabeth C^raig, of New York 
city. 

Wm. R. Knapp, having established in New York city a large 
agency for the sale of l)rick, employed Mr. Hammond, with 
the express understandiug that he should become a partner in the 
business at the end of the year. Before the close of the year Mr. 
Knapp died, and the aspii'ing young man returned home with sad 
prospects ; but Mr. Knapp's partners continuing the l)usiness, re- 
tained Mr. Hammond. But, through improper methods of busi- 
ness, the iirm came to ruin in less than eighteen months, when, 
the consignees of the goods, knowing the business qualities and 
integrity of the clerk, arranged at once with him, and Mr. Ham- 
mond began business for himself in 1ST5, in which he has con- 
tinued until the present. 

The secret of his success is that in early childhood he obeyed 
his mother, who faithfully taught him the value of economizing 
every hour in the attainment of a preparation for business. He, 
during the period of his clerkship in New York, attended an even, 
ing high school, where he took up mathematics, bookkeeping and 
Latin. Mr. Hammond is a great reader. In 1878 Judge Shand- 
ley, and others connected with Tammany Hall, desii-ed him to ac- 
cept the nomination for Senator of his district in New York city. 
Although nomination was sure to be an election, he had his 
own reasons for declining. In his own native town he was elected 
supervisor, being re-elected without opposition the second time. 

Mr. Hammond is greatly interested in the moral and mental 



152 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

improvement of the young people, and in 1S86 organized a LyJ 
cenm in St. George's Cliurcli, with tlie following by-laws : "■ The 
objects of this association are to improve and cultivate the Sunday 
School of the St. George's M. E. Church of Stony Point, IS". Y. ; 
to foster acquaintances and promote friendships ; to reform abuses 
of criticism, or gossip ; to acquire, preserve and disseminate valu- 
able information pertaining to Sniiday schools, literary societies 
and such further matter as will tend to the improvement of the 
minds of the youth of this community." 

I 

HON. SAMUEL HARKISON EVERETT. 

Among the men of note of the present day who have sprung 
from sturdy Putnam County stock, none has carved out for him- 
self a more noble record than the gentleman described in these 
pages. Mr. Everett was born in the town of Carmel, April 3rd, 
1836. When he started in life on his own account, his capital 
consisted of correct habits, untiring industry, a will that scorned 
reverses, and the sum of thirteen cents. He made fortune after 
fortune during his lifetime, and lost them through no fault of his 
own ; but this did not dampen his spirits, and to-day he is a large real 
estate owner and derives a heavy income from his business. His 
ancestors, who came from Scotland about the middle of the seven- 
teenth century, were among the early settlers in America. They 
landed on Long Island in the year 1746, and soon after some of 
the family eifected a pennanent settlement in Carmel, Putnam 
County. Before the Revolutionary War, Isaac Everett, a mason 
by trade, was engaged in l)uilding blast furnaces. The record in 
Putnam CVmiity shows that his ancestors had early become large 
real estate owners in a district tliat was constantly improving. 
Abraham Everett had live sons, Charles, Amos, Samuel, Leonard 
and Abraham. The family were the pioneers in the Western 
cattle trade, and drove their fatted steers to niarket long before 
railroads were built. Charles was the eldest son and the father of 
Samuel H. Soon after young Samuel was born, he moved to the 
south-east and purchased 105 acres of land, which he continued to 
add to until he acquired an extensive territory. He had four sons, 




JBnqfhy HB Balls Sons. ITew 'ibi'h 



SELF-MADE MEN. 153 

Oscar, Samuel Harrison, Charles Edwin, Francis Henry, and seven 
daughters. At a very young age Samuel showed great ambition, 
and at eleven years was able to cope with the workmen on his 
father's farm. He went to the district school in winter and worked 
on the farm in summer, and at the age of eighteen entered Ray- 
mond College, where he pursued a course of two years study, under 
the presidency of Rev. H. G. Livingston. Severe studying in- 
jured his health, and he returned home to the farm, where he 
quickly recuperated. Yearning for a wider field of action, he 
turned his face to the Metropolis. When he left the home- 
stead, his mother tenderly embracing him, said, " God speed you, 
Samuel." He had $36 in money when he left, but when he came 
to face life in New York, he had nothing but the capital men- 
tioned at the opening of this sketch. His heart never failed him, 
and soon he was master of a rich bank account. Disaster over- 
took him in the inclement weather of 1862, and his business was 
literallv ruined. The stroke fell with severer force, for he had 
then become a husband and father. His wife was Margaret, 
daughter of James Percival, and their eldest daughter was Ida 
Bell Everett. He accepted an engagement as hotel clerk for 
himself and family, and four years later his second daughter, 
Evelyn Percival Everett, was born. Both of these daughters are 
graduates of Drew Seminary at Carmel. 

He sustained a severe blow on March 12th, ISYO, in the loss 
of his affectionate wife. Her father proved his benefactor, and 
loaned him $6,000, with which he purchased the old People's 
Hotel at 106 Vesey Sti'eet. He speedily transformed it into a 
first-class hotel, and finished the grand dining room in a style equal 
to any in the city. The Everett Hotel now occupies parts of nine 
city lots, and extends from Vesey to Barclay Street. They were 
purchased in fee simple for $450,000, and the chief ownership is 
in Mr. Everett, who is conducting a hotel business second to none 
in the city. 

Mr. Everett is not selfish ; he lives to do good to others and 
to better the world. He served for five years as a school trustee 
for the Third Ward of this city, and resigned to take a seat in the 



154 STOXY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

Assembly as the representative of his native county. His labors 
in Albany in the Winter of 1881 for the protection of the Putnam 
County lakes, and for procuring a plentiful supply of pure water 
for New York, are too well known to require recapitulation here. 
He took an active part in the defeat of Koscoe Conkling and 
Thomas C Piatt, who resigned their seats in the United States 
Senate and sought to be again returned for their vindication. Al- 
though a Republican, he persistently voted against them, and re- 
mained in his seat hfty-six consecutive days for that purpose. He 
declined the liepublican nomination for a second term for the 
Assembly, but, under the pressure brouglit to bear by his friends, 
he accepted the nomination for State Senator for the Fourteenth 
District. He made an unequaled run, being beaten by but 208 
votes, his opponent being the Hon. Hoi'iier A. Nelson, a jDopular 
and well-known Democrat. Recently, on account of a large busi- 
ness, he has taken no active part in politics. 

Mr. Everett is now president of the Board of Trustees of the 
Rev. T. De Witt Talmage's Tabernacle. His gifts to the poor 
and the church are munihcent. 

His present wife is the daughter of A. H. Todd, of Katonah, 
N. Y., and is the itiother of two sons, Samuel H., Jr., and Chas. 
E. (2nd), and one rlaughter, Susan Mary. Mr. Everett is tall and 
of wiry and athletic build, with dark, but benevolent features. 
The record of his life is a chapter young men could study with 
profit. 

CALVIN TOMKINS 

was born at Orange, N. J., Jan. 31, 1793. His ancestors had emi- 
grated from Connecticut to Newark, N. J., several generations 
previous, and was part of that ultra-Puritanical colony which made 
a last attempt to set up a Theocratic form of government in 
America. 

From Newark the colony spread gradually back to the Orange 
Mountain, and at the base of this hill Enos Tomkins, born 1770, 
the father of the subject (jf this sketch, lived and carried on the 
business of tannino; leather and manufaeturiiii!^ shoes. His busi- 



SELF-ArADE MEX. 155 

ness was extensive for that time, and his factory gave employ- 
ment to many people of the neighborhood. 

Joseph Tomkins, his grandfather, the son of John Tomkins, 
lived here also, and was remarkable for liberality in gifts and edu- 
cation. His influence among the farmers was considerable. 

Calvin was brought up to work on the farm, and learned his 
father's trade. He became dissatisfied with this mode of life, and 
at the age of 16 or lY years he went to Newark with his pack on 
his back, where he engaged himself to the managers of the " Bridge 
Dock " Line of Packets, which plied between Newark and New 
York, For several years he continued boating on the Passaic and 
Hudson Rivers. 

During the war of 1812 he entered the service, and was sta_ 
tioned for some time at Sandy Hook. 

After peace was declared, he returned to boating, and ran for 
some time between Richmond, Va., and New York city. During 
one of these voyages he was shipwrecked off Sandy Hook, and 
suffered temporary illness, brought on by exposure. 

About this time (1819) he married Esther Tuers, daughter of 
Cornelius Tuers, of Barbadoes Neck, as East Newark was then 
called, and this event put an end to his deep water voyages, al- 
though for some time he continued in conmiand of one of the 
Bridge Dock Packet boats. Domestic ties and business opportu- 
nities soon conspired to keep him constantly at Newark. 

The introduction of anthracite coal attracted his attention, 
and he engaged himself in building up a business in the sale of 
this article. 

This led him to set up a kiln for burning lime on the pro- 
perty of the Bridge Dock Co., utilizing the fine coal which at 
that time was of little value. Both business ventures proved suc- 
cessful. 

The coal business increased rapidly, and his efforts to intro- 
duce it were rewarded by special concessions from the Pennsyl- 
vania Coal Co. The farmers from the surrounding country came 
in for land lime, and his sales were increased. 

He also added to his business the manufacture of plaster and 



156 STONY POIKT ILLUSTRATED. 

cement, and since it now assumed projjortions too large for his 
o-s^ni immediate supervision, lie associated several of his friends 
with him and formed " The Newark Lime <k (/eiuent Manufac- 
turing Co.," '^ The Tompkin's Cove Lime Co." and '' The Albert 
Manufacturing Co.," the last-named concern being located in New 
Brunswick, Canada. 

The accomplishment of these enterprises, briefly noticed, was 
the work of many years, which Mr. Tomkins devoted to them. 

After the death of Mrs, Tomkins, he married Mrs. Eliza 
Parish. 

About 1858 he located in Tompkin's ( -ove, when the beauti- 
ful town sprang up about him, mainly through his extraordinary 
efforts for its promotion. 

His father, Enos, was born at Orange in 1770, his grandfather 
Joseph being a native of the same town. Remarkably, too, his 
great-grandfather, John Tomkins, was also born here. His mo- 
ther's maiden name was Sarah Coiidit ; his grandmother's was 
Desire Freman. 

The brothers of Calvin Tomkins Avere Elias, David, Ambros, 
Daniel and Enos ; sisters were Sarah, Lydia and Elmira. The 
children of this Patriarch are Walter, Joseph, Cornelius, Sarah, 
Jane, Phoebe and Laura ; his sons-in-law are J. G. Lindsley, H. 
Lincoln, Jas. Hill and Geo. S. Wood. 

His daugliters-in-law are Augusta Baldwin, Augusta Macent 
and Kate Letferts. 

The grandchildren were Laura, Gertrude, Dwight, Calvin, 
Walter, William, Anna Amelia, Esther, Calvin Hill, Annie Linds- 
ley, Katie Aldie. 

Mr. Tomkins is a sturday Republican, a staunch Methodist 
and an earnest Temperance worker. 

He is a man of wide of wide reputation, of extensive posses- 
sions, and, besides great liberality to his denomination in gifts and 
endowments, he enjoys the love and confidence of a large circle 
of friends, who will arise in the last day to call him blessed. 

EBENEZER MC KENZIE, 

the grandfather of H. B. McKenzie, M^as one of the Revolutionary 



SELF-MADE MEN. 157 

Fathers, having emigrated from the Highlands of Scotland about 
the year ITHO, landing on Nantncket Island, and from thence 
came to Stony Point in ITTB. He served during the eight years of 
the War, and was among the cantonment discharged at Newburg, 
June 10, 1788, his discharge bearing the signature of General 
George Washington. The widow of the patriot McKenzie, re- 
ceived $1400 pension in 1882. 

In 1 79H, Mr. McKenzie was commissioned captain of a com- 
pany, as shown in the following commission, the original of which 
Mr. H. B. McKenzie has in his possession, viz. : 

" The People of the State of New York, By the Grace of 
God, Free and Independent, to El)enezer McKenzie, Greeting : 
We, reposing especial trust and confidence as well in your patriot 
ism, conduct and loyalty, as in your valour and readiness to do us 
good and faithful service, have appointed and constituted, and by 
these Presents do appoint and constitute you, the said Ebenezer 
McKenzie, Ensign of a C'ompany in the Regiment of Militia in 
the Countv of Orange, whereof Seth ]\Iarvin, Esq., is Lieutenant- 
Colonel Commandant. You are, therefore, to take the said 
Company into your charge and care as Ensign thereof, and 
duly to exercise the officers and soldiers of that Company in 
arms, who are hereby commanded to obey you as their Ensign, 
and you are also to observe and follow such orders and directions 
as you shall from time to time receive from our General and Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Militia of our said State, or any other your 
superior officers, according to the rules and discipline of war ; in 
pursuance of the trust reposed in you, and for so doing this shall 
be your commission for and during our good pleasure, to be signi- 
fied ])y our council of appointment. In testimony whereof, we 
have caused our Seal for Military Commissions to be hereunto 
aflixed. Witness our trnsty and well-beloved John Jay, Esquire, 
Governor of the State of New York, General and Commander- 
in-Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same, 
by and with the counsel and consent of our said council of ap- 
pointment at our said City of New York, the twenty-fourth day 
of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred 



158 



STONY POINT ILLtJSTRATED. 



and ninety-six, and in the twentieth year of our Independence. 
Passed the Secretary's office the fifth day of April, 1T96. Lewis 
A. Scott, Secretary. 

" John Jay, Orange Co., s.9. : 

" This may certify that on the 25th day of June, 1796, 
the within-named Ebenezer McKenzie appeared before me and 
took and subscribed the necessary Oaths prescribed by law, to 
qualify him to the office within mentioned. 

" Keuben Hopkins, Clerk of Orange County." 



>^^^^ 




DAVID M. TORREY. 



The life of the subject of the following sketch is probably, in 
some respects, the most remarkable of any in the memory of the 
reader, so much so that we feel justified and fortunate in having 
procured the facts for special use in our delineation of self-made 



SELF-MADK MEN. IT)!) 

men, hoping that the pnhhcation of tliis brief outline will be an 
incentive to a determined application of the talent and time to 
worthy pursuits of other young men. 

Mr. David M. Torrey, our esteem e<l friend and successful 
linancier, has had a marvelous career. He was born in Oneida 
County, ]Sr. Y., in 1847. Leaving the district school in 1865, he 
went to C^azenovia Seminary in Madison County, where he re- 
mained one year. In 1867 his uncle, David Manning, a banker 
of Oswego, procured for him a position in the First National 
Bank. Here, during three years, he obtained knowledge which 
should be of help to him in all the after years of his business life. 
Like many other aspii'ing young men, he went West in search of 
a broader Held of labor. There he engaged in banking with J. 
D. Briggs, of Warsaw, Mo. In 1870 he married Miss D. S. 
Briggs, the banker's daughter. The West was at that time too 
dull for the business genius and push of the young man, and he 
turned his face to the Metropolis, with the hope of finding an 
opening in his line of business. The great panic of 1875 was 
just about closing. Ten thousand clerks stood ready to accept 
positions of lowest pay. Mr. Torrey found himself in the great 
city, almost unknown and without money. 

At this time (1876) Mr. Moody was holding the famous hip- 
podrome meetings, and as Mr. Torrey had nothing to engage his 
time when not seeking for work, he was induced to accompany a 
friend to the Revival meetings. The Word of God dropped like 
a precious seed into the mind of the despondent man. And these 
were the words the preacher used : " Take God at His Word for 
salvation," Instantly it flashed upon his mind that if God could 
be trusted for salvation spiritually, why not temporally. He said, 
'' This is what I want. I will trust the Heavenly Father. Every 
other attempt at procuring help has failed me. I am in despair. 
I can lose nothing by trying." He entered the inquiry room, and 
found peace by believing. A great change came over his entire 
plans. Day after day, by request of Mr. Moody, he employed his 
time assisting in the meeting. He determined to seek first the 
Kingdom of God, believing that every other blessing would come. 



160 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

Assistance came; l)nt it was only loaned ; he has since paid 
it all back. It was his only ambition to please God. He con- 
tinued daily in the meetings from February until April 15. Three 
days after the meetings closed the light of business prosperity 
broke suddenly upon his path. The Word of God was being ful- 
filled to him. The beginning was feeble, but success crowned 
every advancing step. He borrowed $85 from his father-in-law. 
With this roll of greenbacks, satchel in hand, he went from place 
to place and bought up fractional currency, which the Govern- 
ment had now begun to redeem in new silver coin. A banker 
by trade, he abode in the same calling wherein he was called. 
" The business needed men of integrity."" The profits were one 
per cent., so the first day he made eighty-five cents. The second 
day his receipts doubled. In a short time his business required an 
ofiice. At first he hired simply a desk in an oifice, which was in a 
third story in Wall Street, and afterwards in Ann Street, His 
business increased, until his satchel had carried tons of trade dollars 
and foreign silver. In 1885 he opened his present ofiice, corner 
of Ann and Nassau Streets, where, during the course of the year, 
millions of money passes through his hands. 

Mr. Torrey, with his wife and daughter, Daisy M,, now occu- 
pies a comfortable home in Brooklyn, and enjoys the confidence 
of a widely increasing circle of financial and business men. His 
business is recognized as of great commercial importance, and 
facilitates the development of the industrial enterprises of the 
country as scarcely no other business does, the exchange depart- 
ment, the collection of mercantile paper, and the receipt of depo- 
sits being indispensible in every city of any considerable size in 
the country. In the range of business he buys and sells sovereigns, 
Napoleons, Sj)anisli and Mexican doubloons, Canadian silver, etc. 




APPENDIX. 



161 



APPENDIX. 

These are specimens of the " clay dogs " referred to on page 
81. The engravings are made from photographs taken by Geo, 
O. Bedford, and are perfect pictures of the original formations in 
the clay beds. 





162 STONY POrxT ir.M'STEATKD. 



BusiNE^ss Notes. 



Household and Wearing Apparel. 

W. T. PuRDY and Heman M. Purdy, under the firai name 
of "W. T. Purdy & Son, Main Street, Haverstraw, are dealers in 
furniture of all kinds ; also carj^ets, oil-cloths and window shades. 
An undertaking department is also connected with their establish- 
ment, which is conducted first-class in every detail. W. T. Purdy, 
with 18 years' experience, will give personal attention in all cases. 
Prices and satisfaction in l)oth departments guaranteed. 

1^" We buy our silk hats of Charles Gates, 70 Barclay 
and 229 Greenwich Streets, N. Y. ^^^^ 

J. S. Coward, maker of wide, easy shoes for everybody. 
Prices within reach of all. 270 Greenwich St., N. Y. 

Music and Art. 

It is a sufficient advertisement for the artistic and courteous 
photographer, Geo. O. Bedford, of Haverstraw, to say that the 
engravings (of this volume), made by the great Metropolitan 
" Photo Engraving Company," B7 Park Place, are taken from the 
plates made by Mr. Bedford. Many of them were taken on 
severely cold days in December. The snow^ scenes are beautiful 
pictures of nature. 

The far-famed Bradbury Piano ! — Testimonials are pub- 
lished coming from the departments of the Executive Mansion, 
the Bureau of the Navy, many of the leading hotels, seminaries 
and churches, giving general praise of the sujDerior instruments 



BtrslNESS NOTfig. 



163 



made by F. G. Smith. His recently improved uprights are gems 
of beauty and are unsurpassed for tone. His prices defy compe- 
tition. Apply for catalogue. Address — F. G. Smith, cor. Eay- 
mond and Willoughby Sts., Brooklyn, N. Y. — Bev. W. E. Kie- 
fer, Author. 

The Alleg^er Organ is now one of the cheapest and best- 
toned instruments in the market. It will pay any one about to 
invest in an organ to call and see one of Mr. Alleger's at the 
house of John W. Yanwort. For prices, which are in the reach 
of everyone, call on the publisher of this History, or address 
H. W. Alleger, Washington, N. J. 

This cut represents the JSTew 
n/>^^'G^ American Roller Organ, 
|^/f£ which is the greatest contri- 
wIS? ^^^^1(^6 in the music of this 
' age. It plays any tune ar- 
ranged for it. The rolls of 
music are in cylinder shape, 
1 and have only to be lifted 
^rS^ 1 o^^t when another tune is to 




Ki^§o/t<3^es I 



$6^ 

M0s>em1^^-^c^^-vx.v^^^= ^^^ inserted. It plays 260 
tunes, sentimental and sacred. The customer can select. They 
are all one price. Special agents wanted in every town. Price $6 
Address— World Manuf. Co., 122 Nassau St., N. Y. 

1^° Lavalette Wilson, A. M., Civil Engineer and Sur- 
veyor, has had over twenty years experience in Rockland County. 
Surveys, measurements and estimates of all kinds made with ac- 
curacy and despatch. Distant points at early hours by trains on 
the West Shore and N. J. & N. Y. Rail Roads.^^^l 

Literature. 

Harper & Bros, is the most popular, if not the largest pub- 
lishing house in the city. Its publications are known over the 



164 STONY POINT ILLUSTRATEr). 

globe. Any M-ork bearing the imprint of Harper tfe Bros, will 
sell and be read. 

J. Leach, stationer, printer and blank book manufacturing, 
S6 Nassau Street, ]N^ew York. Writing inks, letter, note, foolscap, 
bill and legal cap ; all sizes of casli boxes ; standard American and 
spring back diaries on hand all the year ; all kinds of Esterbrook's 
Gillott's, Perry's Spencerian, Washington medalion steel pens, ball 
pointed, etc ; Leach's falcon and law pens. One price only. Es- 
tablished 1856. 

For cheap, new and desirable books call at the immense book 
emporium of Phillips & Hunt, 805 Broadway. Just out, " Prin- 
ciples of Church Goyernment," by Perrine ; " Christianity in the 
United States from the First Settlements down," by D. Dorches- 
ter ; " The Life of Punshon," by McDonald Christopher ; and 
" Other Stories," by Amelia E. Barr ; " Gold and Dross," by J. 
W. Spear; -The Life of John Wesley," by Telford; ''Proba- 
tioner's Hand Book," '' Days and Nights on the Sea ;" a superb 
work entitled " The Modern Sunday School," by Dr. Yincent. 

Medical. 

Dr. E. Marquez, of Bogota, U. S. of Colombia, South Amer- 
ica, stands deseryedly high in the profession and practice of den- 
tistry, and during the time he has been established here in Haver- 
straw, he has won a leading and prominent rank. Dr. Marquez 
has commodious rooms, located on Main Street, formerly occupied 
by Dr. Crawford, there being every convenience which modern 
science has invented for the speedy and accurate performance of 
all operations required. Gas is given to those whose constitutions 
are strong enough to endure it, and as little pain is inflicted as 
the nature of the case will allow. The doctor attends to all 
branches of his profession, executing orders for false teeth, in the 
manufacture of which he excels pre-eminently. He has made and 
placed in the patient's mouth full and entire sets of teeth, which 
have all the beauty and usefulness of natural teeth. He is sym- 



BUSINESS NOTES. 165 

patliiziug in his nature, and shrinks from causing more pain than 
is absohitely necessary. In every respect his estabhshment is de- 
serving of the confidence of the public. — W. R. Kiefer. 

The Linament used with such wonderful results since we have 
introduced it in this place is now sold by J. B. Hastings, at Tom- 
kins' Bros, store. Inquire for Townsend's '' V. P. D." Linament. 
The trial of a bottle is all the notice we need make of it. Its sale 
is wonderfully increasing. — PiMisJter of History. 

1^^ An Important Xotice ! To any one suffering from par- 
alysis, a disease for which the ordinary physician has no remedy, 
the announcement of Mrs. Dr. E. C. Baikd's opening the " Cor- 
nell Rest " will be hailed as a special ]>rovidence in behalf of suf- 
fering humanity. Spacious apartments will be added to the Bird- 
sail House, at Cornwall Landing, where Mrs. Baird has made a 
large purchase for her establishment and hospital. Her treatments 
are oils, food and rest. No parent need fear to leave in the ten- 
der care of Mrs. Baird an infant that is a paralytic or constitu- 
tionally weak. Its recovery is almost a positive certainty. Ad- 
dress — Mrs. Dr. E. C. Baird, Cornwall Landing, N. Y. 

Financial. 

Haverstraw People's Bank, whose charter dates from Feb. 19, 
1887, has had a prosperity unparalleled in the history of the coun- 
try. Its annual statement will be a genuine surprise to all who 
were so fortunate as to get stock in this new and popular institu- 
tion. For business purposes address U. F. Washburn, Presi- 
dent, or H. C. Yer Yalen, Cashier, Haverstraw, N. Y. 

Real Estate. 

Now for sale, at a great bargain, a house on IStli Street, 
Brooklyn. House cost $4,500 ; will sell for $3,600. Apply to 
BuRRiLL ife Driver, 5th Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Agencies. 

W. T. Weiant, agent for Cleveland Paper Co.'s tiour sacks, 
Delphu's Paper Co.'s XX straw, Peasley's Stone Ridge and grocers 



Ififi STONY POINT ILLUSTRATED. 

straw papers ; paper bags, Manila paper, butter dishes, flour sacks, 
straw paper, tissue paper, toilet paper, tea paper, skewers, twines, 
printing, stationery, etc. Address — W. T. Weiant, Haverstraw, 

K Y. 

Refreshments. 

Fuller's Broadway Restaurant, Haverstraw, N. Y. Ladies' 
and gents' oyster and dining rooms. Oysters and clams by 100 
or 1,000. Ice cream, wholesale and retail ; church fairs, festivi- 
ties, excursions and the trade supplied at short notice. B. A. Ful- 
ler. 

Mrs. Minnie Linch keeps confections and ice cream at Con- 
ner's Corner. 

Mr. Henry Hahn, the Broadway grocer, Haverstraw, will 
take your order and deliver your goods twice a week and oftener. 
His wagon makes regular trips through Stony Point. Goods just 
as cheap as they can be had in the store. Try him to satisfy your- 
self. 

A. Mayers, confectioner, wholesale and retail, complies with 
New York prices. Churches, picnics, Sunday schools and social 
gatherings supplied at short notice. Be sure to call before going 
elsewhere. Broadway, Haverstraw, N. Y. 




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